Method and apparatus for automatic configuration of equipment

ABSTRACT

An architecture for automatically configuring equipment. A piece of equipment connected externally to a user PC has one or more machine-resolvable codes (MRCs) associated therewith. The piece of equipment receives configuration information from a remote location disposed on the network in response to reading a select one of the one or more MRCs with a reader. Configuration information associated with the select one of the one or more MRCs is transmitted from the remote location to the piece of equipment via the user PC, and the piece of equipment is then configured according to the configuration information.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/568,148filed May 10, 2000, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICCONFIGURATION OF EQUIPMENT, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,725,260, on Apr.20, 2004, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/378,221 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING AREMOTE LOCATION BY SCANNING AN OPTICAL CODE,” filed on Aug. 19, 1999,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,234, issued Jun. 1, 2004, which is aContinuation-in-Part of the following two U.S. patent applications: Ser.No. 09/151,471 now abandoned entitled “METHOD FOR INTERFACING SCANNEDPRODUCT INFORMATION WITH A SOURCE FOR THE PRODUCT OVER A GLOBALNETWORK,” now abandoned, and Ser. No. 09/151,530 now U.S. Pat. No.6,098,106 entitled “METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A COMPUTER WITH AN AUDIOSIGNAL,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,106, issued Aug. 1, 2000, both filed onSep. 11, 1998; the present application being related to the followingpending U.S. patent applications: Ser. No. 09/496,222 entitled “METHODFOR INTERFACING SCANNED PRODUCT INFORMATION WITH A SOURCE FOR THEPRODUCT OVER A GLOBAL NETWORK,” filed Feb. 1, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No.6,816,894, issued Nov. 9, 2004; and related to the following pendingU.S. patent applications filed on Aug. 24, 1999: Ser. No. 09/382,426entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPLETING, SECURING AND CONDUCTINGAN E-COMMERCE TRANSACTION;” Ser. No. 09/382,424 entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR TRACKING USER PROFILE AND HABITS ON A GLOBAL NETWORK,” nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,836,799, issued Dec. 28, 2004; Ser. No. 09/382,425entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING AN EXISTING PRODUCT CODE TOA REMOTE LOCATION,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,228,282, issued Jun. 5, 2007;Ser. No. 09/382,373 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING A WEBSITE WITH A NON-STANDARD CONTROL INPUT DEVICE,” now U.S. Pat. No.7,117,240, issued Oct. 3, 2006; Ser. No. 09/382,371 entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING A WEB SITE IN RESPONSE TO SCANNING OF A PRODUCTCODE;” Ser. No. 09/382,422 entitled “UNIQUE ID FOR IDENTIFYING A USERAND FACILITATING AN E-COMMERCE TRANSACTION,” now Abandoned; Ser. No.09/382,377 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LINKING A WEB BROWSER TO APROMOTIONAL OFFER OVER A GLOBAL NETWORK;” Ser. No. 09/382,375 entitled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UTILIZING AN EXISTING PRODUCT CODE TO ISSUE AMATCH TO A PREDETERMINED LOCATION ON A GLOBAL NETWORK,” now U.S. Pat.No. 7,159,037, issued Jan. 2, 2007; Ser. No. 09/379,699 entitled“NETWORK ROUTING UTILIZING A PRODUCT CODE;” Ser. No. 09/379,700 entitled“METHOD FOR INTERCONNECTING TWO LOCATIONS OVER A NETWORK IN RESPONSE TOUSING A TOOL,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,354, issued Mar. 2, 2004; andrelated to the following pending U.S. patent applications; Ser. No.09/417,863 filed Oct. 13, 1999, and entitled “SOFTWARE DOWNLOADING USINGA TELEVISION BROADCAST CHANNEL;” Ser. No. 09/417,405 filed Oct. 13,1999, and entitled “PRESENTATION OF WEB PAGE CONTENT BASED UPON COMPUTERVIDEO RESOLUTION,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,829,646, issued Dec. 7, 2004;Ser. No. 09/496,790 filed Feb. 2, 2000, and entitled “WEB SITE ACCESS BYMANUAL ENTRY OF A CHARACTER STRING INTO A SOFTWARE INTERFACE,” now U.S.Pat. No. 6,845,388, issued Jan. 18, 2005; Ser. No. 09/496,208 filed Feb.2, 2000, and entitled “BAR CODE SCANNER AND SOFTWARE INTERFACEINTERLOCK,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,715, issued Jun. 29, 2004; Ser. No.09/490,336 filed Jan. 1, 2000, and entitled “INPUT DEVICE HAVINGPOSITIONAL AND SCANNING CAPABILITIES,” now U.S. Pat. No. 6,868,433,issued Mar. 15, 2005; Ser. No. 09/497,252 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR ALLOWING A REMOTE SITE TO INTERACT WITH AN INTERMEDIATE DATABASE TOFACILITATE ACCESS TO THE REMOTE SITE” filed on Feb. 3, 2000, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,622,165, issued Sep. 16, 2003; Ser. No. 09/491,142 entitled“INPUT DEVICE FOR ALLOWING INPUT OF UNIQUE DIGITAL CODE TO A USER'SCOMPUTER TO CONTROL ACCESS TO A WEB SITE” filed Jan. 26, 2000, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,985,954, issued Jan. 10, 2006; Ser. No. 09/491,136 entitled“UNIQUE BAR CODE FOR INDICATING A LINK BETWEEN A PRODUCT AND A REMOTELOCATION ON A WEB NETWORK” filed on Jan. 26, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No.6,708,208, issued Mar. 16, 2004; Ser. No. 09/494,925 entitled “ROUTINGSTRING INDICATIVE OF A LOCATION OF A DATABASE ON A WEB ASSOCIATED WITH APRODUCT OF COMMERCE” filed on Feb. 1, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,377,986,issued Apr. 23, 2002; Ser. No. 09/494,924 entitled “INPUT DEVICE FORALLOWING INTERFACE TO A WEB SITE IN ASSOCIATION WITH A UNIQUE INPUTCODE” filed on Feb. 1, 2000; Ser. No. 09/537,530 entitled “METHOD ANDAPPARATUS FOR ACCESSING A REMOTE LOCATION BY SENSING AMACHINE-RESOLVABLE CODE” filed Mar. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No.6,701,369, issued Mar. 2, 2004; and Ser. No. 09/539,596 entitled “METHODAND APPARATUS FOR ALLOWING A REMOTE SITE TO INTERACT WITH ANINTERMEDIATE DATABASE TO FACILITATE ACCESS TO THE REMOTE SITE” filed onMar. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,438, issued Dec. 6, 2005.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is related to a method of computer control, andparticularly for automatically configuring a computer or componentsthereof, either hardware or software, in response to readinginformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the growing numbers of computer users connecting to the “Internet,”many companies are seeking the substantial commercial opportunitiespresented by such a large user base. For example, one technology whichexists allows a television (“TV”) signal to trigger a computer responsein which the consumer will be guided to a personalized web page. Thesource of the triggering signal may be a TV, video tape recorder, orradio. For example, if a viewer is watching a TV program in which anadvertiser offers viewer voting, the advertiser may transmit a uniquesignal within the television signal which controls a program known as a“browser” on the viewer's computer to automatically display theadvertiser's web page. The viewer then simply makes a selection which isthen transmitted back to the advertiser.

In order to provide the viewer with the capability of responding to awide variety of companies using this technology, a database of companyinformation and Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”) codes is necessarilymaintained in the viewer's computer, requiring continuous updates. URLsare short strings of data that identify resources on the Internet:documents, images, downloadable files, services, electronic mailboxes,and other resources. URLs make resources available under a variety ofnaming schemes and access methods such as HTTP, FTP, and Internet mail,addressable in the same simple way. URLs reduce the tedium of “login tothis server, then issue this magic command . . . ” down to a singleclick. The Internet uses URLs to specify the location of files on otherservers. A URL includes the type of resource being accessed (e.g., Web,gopher, FTP), the address of the server, and the location of the file.The URL can point to any file on any networked computer. Currenttechnology requires the viewer to perform periodic updates to obtain themost current URL database. This aspect of the current technology iscumbersome since the update process requires downloading information tothe viewer's computer. Moreover, the likelihood for error in performingthe update, and the necessity of redoing the update in the event of alater computer crash, further complicates the process. Additionally,current technologies are limited in the number of companies which may bestored in the database. This is a significant limitation sinceworld-wide access presented by the Internet and the increasing number ofcompanies connecting to perform on-line E-commerce necessitates a largedatabase.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspectthereof, comprises a method and architecture for configuring a piece ofequipment. A piece of equipment is provided in communication with anetwork, the piece of equipment having one or more machine-resolvablecodes associated therewith. The piece of equipment is connected to aremote location disposed on the network in response to reading a selectone of the one or more machine-resolvable codes with a reader.Configuration information associated with the select one of the one ormore machine-resolvable codes is transmitted from the remote location tothe piece of equipment, and the piece of equipment is then configuredaccording to the configuration information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates the computer components employed in this embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates system interactions over a global network;

FIGS. 4 a-4 e illustrate the various message packets transmitted betweenthe source PC and network servers used in the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart depicting operation of the system according to thepreferred embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of actions taken by the AdvertiserReference Server (“ARS”) server;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of the interactive process between thesource computer and ARS;

FIG. 8 illustrates a web browser page receiving the modifiedURL/advertiser product data according to the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the disclosedembodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a more detailed, simplified block diagram of theembodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a method for performing therouting operation;

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram of an alternate embodiment utilizingan optical region in the video image for generating the routinginformation;

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram illustrating the generation of aprofile with the disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart for generating the profile and storingat the ARS;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart for processing the profile informationwhen information is routed to a user;

FIG. 16 illustrates a general block diagram of a disclosed embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates the conversion circuit of the wedge interface;

FIG. 18 illustrates a sample message packet transmitted from the user PCto the ARS;

FIG. 19 illustrates a more detailed block diagram of the routing of themessage packets between the various nodes;

FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of a browser window, according to adisclosed embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a diagrammatic view of information contained in theARS database;

FIG. 22 illustrates a flowchart of the process of receiving informationfor the user's perspective;

FIG. 23 illustrates a flowchart according to the ARS;

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of the process performed at theE-commerce node;

FIG. 25 illustrates a system block diagram of a preferred embodiment forscanning machine-resolvable code of a document;

FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart of general operation of a preferredembodiment;

FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate a flowchart for the process for obtainingconfiguration information related to a device driver update and/orsoftware application update where user PC and hardware/software data istransmitted from the user PC;

FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate a flowchart for the process of obtainingconfiguration information related to a firmware update where user PC andhardware/software data is transmitted from the user PC;

FIG. 29 illustrates a system block diagram of a preferred embodiment forscanning a device machine-resolvable code;

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate a flowchart for an alternative embodimentwhere connection of the device to a computer automatically initiates theupdate process;

FIG. 31 illustrates a system block diagram of a conventional computerhaving an assortment of peripherals which operate according to thedisclosed architecture;

FIG. 32A illustrates a basic database structure of the VRS database;

FIG. 32B illustrates a more complex database structure is illustratedwhere the VRS database contains the user profile information;

FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative embodiment of FIG. 25 where the userscans an MRC to invoke automatic configuration of one or more computersand associated components into a particular operating mode;

FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative embodiment wherein a piece ofequipment is automatically configured in accordance with a scannedtransaction code;

FIG. 35 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of the system of FIG.34;

FIG. 36 illustrates a sample basic database structure for the equipmentconfiguration embodiment; and

FIG. 37 illustrates a sample enhanced database structure of the VRSdatabase according to automatic configuration of a piece of testequipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a block diagram of asystem for controlling a personal computer (“PC”) 112 via an audio tonetransmitted over a wireless system utilizing a TV. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1, there is provided a transmission station 101 anda receive station 117 that are connected via a communication link 108.The transmission station 101 is comprised of a television program source104, which is operable to generate a program in the form of a broadcastsignal comprised of video and audio. This is transmitted viaconventional techniques along channels in the appropriate frequencies.The program source is input to a mixing device 106, which mixing deviceis operable to mix in an audio signal. This audio signal is derived froman audio source 100 which comprises a coded audio signal which is thenmodulated onto a carrier which is combined with the television programsource 104. This signal combining can be done at the audio level, or itcan even be done at the RF level in the form of a different carrier.However, the preferred method is to merely sum the audio signal from themodulator 102 into the audio channel of the program that is generated bythe television program source 104. The output thereof is provided fromthe mixing device 106 in the form of broadcast signal to an antenna 107,which transmits the information over the communication link 108 to anantenna 109 on the receive side.

On the receive side of the system, a conventional receiver 110, such asa television is provided. This television provides a speaker outputwhich provides the user with an audible signal. This is typicallyassociated with the program. However, the receiver 110 in the disclosedembodiment, also provides an audio output jack, this being an RCA typejack. This jack is utilized to provide an audio output signal on a line113 which is represented by an audio signal 111. This line 113 providesall of the audio that is received over the communication link 108 to thePC 112 in the audio input port on the PC 112. However, it should beunderstood that, although a direct connection is illustrated from thereceiver 110 to the PC 112, there actually could be a microphone pickupat the PC 112 which could pick-up the audio signal. In the disclosedembodiment, the audio signal generated by the advertiser data inputdevice 100 is audible to the human ear and, therefore, can be heard bythe user. Therefore, no special filters are needed to provide this audioto the PC 112.

The PC 112 is operable to run programs thereon which typically arestored in a program file area 116. These programs can be any type ofprograms such as word processing programs, application programs, etc. Inthe disclosed embodiment, the program that is utilized in the system iswhat is referred to as a “browser.” The PC 112 runs a browser program tofacilitate the access of information on the network, for example, aglobal communication network known as the “Internet” or theWorld-Wide-Web (“Web”). The browser is a hypertext-linked applicationused for accessing information. Hypertext is a term used to describe aparticular organization of information within a data processing system,and its presentation to a user. It exploits the computer's ability tolink together information from a wide variety of sources to provide theuser with the ability to explore a particular topic. The traditionalstyle of presentation used in books employs an organization of theinformation which is imposed upon it by limitations of the medium,namely fixed sized, sequential paper pages. Hypertext systems, however,use a large number of units of text or other types of data such as imageinformation, graphical information, video information, or soundinformation, which can vary in size. A collection of such units ofinformation is termed a hypertext document, or where the hypertextdocuments employ information other than text, hypermedia documents.Multimedia communications may use the Hypertext Transfer Protocol(“HTTP”), and files or formatted data may use the Hypertext MarkupLanguage (“HTML”). This formatting language provides for a mingling oftext, graphics, sound, video, and hypertext links by “tagging” a textdocument using HTML. Data encoded using HTML is often referred to as an“HTML document,” an “HTML page,” or a “home page.” These documents andother Internet resources may be accessed across the network by means ofa network addressing scheme which uses a locator referred to as aUniform Resource Locator (“URL”), for example, “http://www.digital.com.”

The Internet is one of the most utilized networks for interconnectingdistributed computer systems and allows users of these computer systemsto exchange data all over the world. Connected to the Internet are manyprivate networks, for example, corporate or commercial networks.Standard protocols, such as the Transport Control Protocol (“TCP”) andthe Internet Protocol (“IP”) provide a convenient method forcommunicating across these diverse networks. These protocols dictate howdata is formatted and communicated. As a characteristic of the Internet,the protocols are layered in an IP stack. At higher levels of the IPstack, such as the application layer (where HTTP is employed), the userinformation is more readily visible, while at lower levels, such as thenetwork level (where TCP/IP are used), the data merely can be observedas packets or a stream of rapidly moving digital signals. Superimposedon the Internet is a standard protocol interface for accessing Webresources, such as servers, files, Web pages, mail messages, and thelike. One way that Web resources can be accessed is by browsers made byNetscape® and Microsoft Internet Explorer®.

Referring again now to FIG. 1, the user can load this program with theappropriate keystrokes such that a browser window will be displayed on adisplay 118. In one embodiment, the user can run the browser program onthe PC 112 such that the browser window is displayed on the display 118.While watching a preferred program, the user can also view display 118.When an audio signal is received by the receiver 110 and the encodedinformation is contained therein that was input thereto by theadvertiser, the PC 112 will then perform a number of operations. Thefirst operation, according to the disclosed embodiment, is to extractthe audio information within the received audio signal in the form ofdigital data, and then transmit this digital data to a defined locationon the global communication network via a modem connection 114. Thisconnection will be described hereinbelow. This information will berelayed to a proprietary location and the instructions sent back to thePC 112 as to the location of the advertiser associated with the code,and the PC 112 will then effect a communication link to that locationsuch that the user can view on the display 118 information that theadvertiser, by placing the tone onto the broadcast channel, desires theviewer to view. This information can be in the form of interactiveprograms, data files, etc. In one example, when an advertisement appearson the television, the tone can be generated and then additional datadisplayed on the display 118. Additionally, a streaming video programcould be played on the PC received over the network, which streamingvideo program is actually longer than the advertising segment on thebroadcast. Another example would be a sports game that would broadcastthe tone in order to allow a user access to information that is notavailable over the broadcast network, such as additional statisticsassociated with the sports program, etc.

By utilizing the system described herein with respect to the disclosedembodiment of FIG. 1, an advertiser is allowed the ability to control auser's PC 112 through the use of tones embedded within a program audiosignal. As will described hereinbelow, the disclosed embodiment utilizesparticular routing information stored in the PC 112 which allows theencoded information in the received audio signal to route thisinformation to a desired location on the network, and then allow otherrouting information to be returned to the PC 112 for control thereof toroute the PC 112 to the appropriate location associated with that code.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a computer 204, similar tocomputer 112, connected to display information on display 118. Thecomputer 204 comprises an internal audio or “sound” card 206 forreceiving the transmitted audio signal through receive antenna 109 andreceiver 110. The sound card 206 typically contains analog-to-digitalcircuitry for converting the analog audio signal into a digital signal.The digital signal may then be more easily manipulated by softwareprograms. The receiver 110 separates the audio signal from the videosignal. A special trigger signal located within the transmittedadvertiser audio signal triggers proprietary software running on thecomputer 204 which launches a communication application; in thisparticular embodiment, the web browser application located on the PC204. Coded advertiser information contained within the audio signal isthen extracted and appended with the address of a proprietary serverlocated on the communication network. The remote server address is inthe form of a URL.

This appended data, in addition to other control codes, is inserteddirectly into the web browser application for automatic routing to thecommunication network. The web browser running on PC 204, andcommunicating to the network with an internal modem 208, in thisembodiment, transmits the advertiser information to the remote server.The remote server cross-references the advertiser product information tothe address of the advertiser server located on the network. The addressof the advertiser server is routed back through the PC 204 web browserto the advertiser server. The advertiser product information is returnedto PC 204 to be presented to the viewer on display 118. In thisparticular embodiment, the particular advertiser product informationdisplayed is contained within the advertiser's web page 212. Asmentioned above, the audio signal is audible to the human ear. Thereforethe audio signal, as emitted from the TV speakers, may be input to thesound card 206 via a microphone. Furthermore, the audio signal need notbe a realtime broadcast, but may be on video tapes, CDs, DVD, or othermedia which may be displayed at a later date. With the imminentimplementation of high definition digital television, the audio signaloutput from the TV may also be digital. Therefore, direct input into asound card for A/D purposes may not be necessary, but alternativeinterfacing techniques to accommodate digital-to-digital signal formatswould apply.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a source PC 302, similarto PCs 204 and 112, connected to a global communication network (GCN)306 through an interface 304. In this embodiment, the audio signal 111is received by PC 302 through its sound card 206. The audio signal 111comprises a trigger signal which triggers proprietary software intolaunching a web browser application residing on the PC 302. The audiosignal 111 also comprises advertiser product information which isextracted and appended with URL information of an Advertiser ReferenceServer (“ARS”) 308. The ARS 308 is a system disposed on the network 306that is defined as the location to which data in the audio signal 111 isto be routed. As such, data in the audio signal 111 will always berouted to the ARS 308, since a URL is unique on the GCN 306. Connectedto the ARS 308 is a database 310 of product codes and associatedmanufacturer URLs. The database 310 undergoes a continual update processwhich is transparent to the user. As companies sign-on, i.e., subscribeto this technology, manufacturer and product information are added tothe database 310 without interrupting operation of the source PC 302with frequent updates. When the advertiser server address URL isobtained from the ARS database 310, it and the request for theparticular advertiser product information are automatically routed backthrough the web browser on PC 302, over to the respective advertiserserver for retrieval of the advertiser product information to the PC302. Additionally, although the disclosed invention discusses a globalcommunication network, the system is also applicable to LANs, WANs, andpeer-to-peer network configurations. It should be noted that thedisclosed architecture is not limited to a single source PC 302, but maycomprise a plurality of source PCs, e.g., PC 300 and PC 303. Moreover, aplurality of ARS 308 systems and advertiser servers 312 may beimplemented, e.g., ARS 314, and advertiser server A 316, respectively.

The information transactions, in general, which occur between thenetworked systems of this embodiment, over the communication network,are the following. The web browser running on source PC 302 transmits amessage packet to the ARS 308 over Path “A.” The ARS 308 decodes themessage packet and performs a cross-reference function with productinformation extracted from the received message packet to obtain theaddress of an advertiser server 312. A new message packet is assembledcomprising the advertiser server 312 address, and sent back to thesource PC 302 over Path “B.” A “handoff” operation is performed wherebythe source PC 302 browser simply reroutes the information on to theadvertiser server 312 over Path “C,” with the appropriate source anddestination address appended. The advertiser server 312 receives anddecodes the message packet. Therequest-for-advertiser-product-information is extracted and theadvertiser 312 retrieves the requested information from its database fortransmission back to the source PC 302 over Path “D.” The source PC 302then processes the information, i.e., for display to the viewer. Theoptional Path “E” is discussed hereinbelow. It should be noted that thedisclosed methods are not limited to only browser communicationapplications, but may accommodate, with sufficient modifications by oneskilled in the art, other communication applications used to transmitinformation over the Internet or communication network.

Referring now to FIG. 4 a, the message packet 400 sent from the sourcePC 302 to ARS 308 via Path “A” comprises several fields. One fieldcomprises the URL of the ARS 308 which indicates where the messagepacket is to be sent. Another field comprises the advertiser productcode or other information derived from the audio signal 111, and anyadditional overhead information required for a given transaction. Theproduct code provides a link to the address of the advertiser server312, located in the database 310. Yet another field comprises thenetwork address of the source PC 302. In general, network transmissionsare effected in packets of information, each packet providing adestination address, a source address, and data. These packets varydepending upon the network transmission protocol utilized forcommunication. Although the protocols utilized in the disclosedembodiment are of a conventional protocol suite commonly known asTCP/IP, it should be understood that any protocols providing the similarbasic functions can be used, with the primary requirement that a browsercan forward the routing information to the desired URL in response tokeystrokes being input to a PC. Within the context of this disclosure,“message packet” shall refer to and comprise the destination URL,product information, and source address, even though more than a singlepacket must be transmitted to effect such a transmission.

Upon receipt of the message packet 400 from source PC 302, ARS 308processes the information in accordance with instructions embedded inthe overhead information. The ARS 308 specifically will extract theproduct code information from the received packet 400 and, onceextracted, will then decode this product code information. Once decoded,this information is then compared with data contained within the ARSadvertiser database 310 to determine if there is a “hit.” If there is no“hit” indicating a match, then information is returned to the browserindicating such. If there is a “hit,” a packet 402 is assembled whichcomprises the address of the source PC 302, and information instructingthe source PC 302 as to how to access, directly in a “handoff”operation, another location on the network, that of an advertiser server312. This type of construction is relatively conventional with browserssuch as Netscape® and Microsoft Internet Explorer® and, rather thandisplaying information from the ARS 308, the source PC 302 can thenaccess the advertiser server 312. The ARS 308 transmits the packet 402back to source PC 302 over Path “B.” Referring now to FIG. 4 b, themessage packet 402 comprises the address of the source PC 302, the URLof the advertiser server 312 embedded within instructional code, and theURL of the ARS 308.

Upon receipt of the message packet 402 by the source PC 302, the messagepacket 402 is disassembled to obtain pertinent routing information forassembly of a new message packet 404. The web browser running on sourcePC 302 is now directed to obtain, over Path “C,” the product informationrelevant to the particular advertiser server 312 location informationembedded in message packet 404. Referring now to FIG. 4 c, the messagepacket 404 for this transaction comprises the URL of the advertiserserver 312, the request-for-product-information data, and the address ofthe source PC 302.

Upon receipt of the message packet 404 from source PC 302, advertiserserver 312 disassembles the message packet 404 to obtain therequest-for-product-information data. The advertiser server 312 thenretrieves the particular product information from its database, andtransmits it over Path “D” back to the source PC 302. Referring now toFIG. 4 d, the message packet 406 for this particular transactioncomprises the address of the source PC 302, the requested information,and the URL of the advertiser server 312.

Optionally, the ARS 308 may make a direct request for productinformation over Path “E” to advertiser server 312. In this mode, theARS 308 sends information to the advertiser server 312 instructing it tocontact the source PC 302. This, however, is unconventional and requiresmore complex software control. The message packet 408 for thistransaction is illustrated in FIG. 4 e, which comprises the URL of theadvertiser server 312, the request-for-product-information data, and theaddress of the source PC 302. Since product information is not beingreturned to the ARS 308, but directly to the source PC 302, the messagepacket 408 requires the return address to be that of the source PC 302.The product information is then passed directly to PC 302 over Path “D.”

Referring now to FIG. 5, the method for detecting and obtaining productinformation is as follows. In decision block 500, a proprietaryapplication running resident on a source computer PC 302 (similar to PC204) monitors the audio input for a special trigger signal. Upondetection of the trigger signal, data following the trigger signal isdecoded for further processing, in function block 502. In function block504, the data is buffered for further manipulation. In decision block506, a determination is made as to whether the data can be properlyauthenticated. If not, program flow continues through the “N” signal tofunction block 520 where the data is discarded. In function block 522,the program then signals for a retransmission of the data. The systemthen waits for the next trigger signal, in decision block 500. Ifproperly authenticated in decision block 506, program flow continuesthrough the “Y” signal path where the data is then used to launch theweb browser application, as indicated in function block 508. In functionblock 510, the web browser receives the URL data, which is thenautomatically routed through the computer modem 208 to the networkinterface 304 and ultimately to the network 306. In function block 514,the ARS 308 responds by returning the URL of advertiser server 312 tothe PC 302. In function block 516, the web browser running on the sourcePC 302, receives the advertiser URL information from the ARS 308, andtransmits the URL for the product file to the advertiser server 312. Inblock 518, the advertiser server 312 responds by sending the productinformation to the source PC 302 for processing. The user may obtain thebenefits of this architecture by simply downloading the proprietarysoftware over the network. Other methods for obtaining the software arewell-known; for example, by CD, diskette, or pre-loaded hard drives.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a flowchart of the processthe ARS 308 may undergo when receiving the message packet 400 from thesource PC 302. In decision block 600, the ARS 308 checks for the receiptof the message packet 400. If a message packet 400 is not received,program flow moves along the “N” path to continue waiting for themessage. If the message packet 400 is received, program flow continuesalong path “Y” for message processing. Upon receipt of the messagepacket 400, in function block 602, the ARS 308 decodes the messagepacket 400. The product code is then extracted independently in functionblock 604 in preparation for matching the product code with theappropriate advertiser server address located in the database 310. Infunction block 606, the product code is then used with a lookup table toretrieve the advertiser server 312 URL of the respective productinformation contained in the audio signal data. In function block 608,the ARS 308 then assembles message packet 402 for transmission back tothe source PC 302. Function block 610 indicates the process of sendingthe message packet 402 back to the source PC 302 over Path “B.”

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a flowchart of theinteractive processes between the source PC 302 and the advertiserserver 312. In function block 700, the source PC 302 receives themessage packet 402 back from the ARS 308 and begins to decode the packet402. In function block 702, the URL of the advertiser productinformation is extracted from the message packet 402 and saved forinsertion into the message packet 404 to the advertiser server 312. Themessage packet 404 is then assembled and sent by the source PC 302 overPath “C” to the advertiser server 312, in function block 704. While thesource PC 302 waits, in function block 706, the advertiser server 312receives the message packet 404 from the source PC 302, in functionblock 708, and disassembles it. The product information location is thenextracted from the message packet 404 in function block 710. Theparticular product information is retrieved from the advertiser server312 database for transmission back to the source PC 302. In functionblock 712, the product information is assembled into message packet 406and then transmitted back to the source PC 302 over Path “D.” Returningto the source PC 302 in function block 714, the advertiser productinformation contained in the message packet 406 received from theadvertiser server 312, is then extracted and processed in function block716.

Referring now to FIG. 8, after receipt of a trigger signal, a webbrowser application on a source PC 302 is automatically launched andcomputer display 800 presents a browser page 802. Proprietary softwarerunning on the source PC 302 processes the audio signal data after beingdigitized through the sound card 206. The software appropriatelyprepares the data for insertion directly into the web browser byextracting the product information code and appending keystroke data tothis information. First, a URL page 804 is opened in response to aCtrl-O command added by the proprietary software as the first characterstring. Opening URL page 804 automatically positions the cursor in afield 806 where additional keystroke data following the Ctrl-O commandwill be inserted. After URL page 804 is opened, the hypertext protocolpreamble http:// is inserted into the field 806. Next, URL informationassociated with the location of the ARS 308 is inserted into field 806.Following the ARS 308 URL data are the characters/? to allow entry ofvariables immediately following the /? characters. In this embodiment,the variable following is the product information code received in theaudio signal. The product code information also provides thecross-reference information for obtaining the advertiser URL from theARS database 310. Next, a carriage return is added to send theURL/product data and close the window 804. After the message packet 400is transmitted to the ARS 308 from the source PC 302, transactions fromthe ARS 308, to the source PC 302, to the advertiser server 312, andback to the source PC 302, occur quickly and are transparent to theviewer. At this point, the next information the viewer sees is theproduct information which was received from the advertiser server 312.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated a block diagram of a moresimplified embodiment. In this embodiment, a video source 902 isprovided which is operable to provide an audio output on an audio cable901 which provides routing information referred to by reference numeral904. The routing information 904 is basically information containedwithin the audio signal. This is an encoded or embedded signal. Theimportant aspect of the routing information 904 is that it isautomatically output in realtime as a function of the broadcast of thevideo program received over the video source 902. Therefore, wheneverthe program is being broadcast in realtime to the user 908, the routinginformation 904 will be output whenever the producer of the videodesires it to be produced. It should be understood that the box 902representing the video source could be any type of media that willresult in the routing information being output. This could be a cassetteplayer, a DVD player, an audio cassette, a CD ROM or any such media. Itis only important that this is a program that the producer developswhich the user 908 watches in a continuous or a streaming manner.Embedded within that program, at a desired point selected by theproducer, the routing information 904 is output.

The audio information is then routed to a PC 906, which is similar tothe PC 112 in FIG. 1. A user 908 is interfaced with the PC to receiveinformation thereof, the PC 906 having associated therewith a display(not shown). The PC 906 is interfaced with a network 910, similar to thenetwork 306 in FIG. 3. This network 910 has multiple nodes thereon, oneof which is the PC 906, and another of which is represented by a networknode 912 which represents remote information. The object of the presentembodiment is to access remote information for display to the user 908by the act of transmitting from the video program in block 902 therouting information 904. This routing information 904 is utilized toallow the PC 906 which has a network “browser” running thereon to“fetch” the remote information at the node 912 over the network 910 fordisplay to the user 908. This routing information 904 is in the form ofan embedded code within the audio signal, as was described hereinabove.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated a more detailed blockdiagram of the embodiment of FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the PC 906 issplit up into a couple of nodes, a first PC 1002 and a second PC 1004.The PC 1002 resides at the node associated with the user 908, and the PC1004 resides at another node. The PC 1004 represents the ARS 308 of FIG.3. The PC 1004 has a database 1006 associated therewith, which isbasically the advertiser database 310. Therefore, there are three nodeson the network 910 necessary to implement the disclosed embodiment, thePC 1002, the PC 1004 and the remote information node 912. The routinginformation 904 is utilized by the PC 1002 for routing to the PC 1004 todetermine the location of the remote information node 912 on the network910. This is returned to the PC 1002 and a connection made directly withthe remote information node 912 and the information retrieved therefromto the user 908. The routing information 904 basically constitutesprimary routing information.

Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a diagrammatic view ofhow the network packet is formed for sending the primary routinginformation to the PC 1004. In general, the primary routing informationoccupies a single field which primary routing information is thenassembled into a data packet with the secondary routing information fortransfer to the network 910. This is described hereinabove in detail.

Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated an alternate embodimentto that of FIG. 9. In this embodiment, the video source 902 hasassociated therewith an optical region 1202, which optical region 1202has disposed therein an embedded video code. This embedded video codecould be relatively complex or as simple as a grid of dark and whiteregions, each region in the grid able to have a dark color for a logic“1” or a white region for a logic “0.” This will allow a digital valueto be disposed within the optical region 1202. A sensor 1204 can then beprovided for sensing this video code. In the example above, this wouldmerely require an array of optical detectors, one for each region in thegrid to determine whether this is a logic “1” or a logic “0” state. Oneof the sensed video is then output to the PC 906 for processing thereofto determine the information contained therein, which informationcontained therein constitutes the primary routing information 904.Thereafter, it is processed as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a block diagram for anembodiment wherein a user's profile can be forwarded to the originalsubscriber or manufacturer. The PC 906 has associated therewith aprofile database 1302, which profile database 1302 is operable to storea profile of the user 908. This profile is created when the program,after initial installation, requests profile information to be input inorder to activate the program. In addition to the profile, there is alsoa unique ID that is provided to the user 908 in association with thebrowser program that runs on the PC 906. This is stored in a storagelocation represented by a block 1304. This ID 1304 is accessible by aremote location as a “cookie” which is information that is stored in thePC 906 in an accessible location, which accessible location is actuallyaccessible by the remote program running on a remote node.

The ARS 308, which basically constitutes the PC 1004 of FIG. 10, isoperable to have associated therewith a profile database 1308, whichprofile database 1308 is operable to store profiles for all of theusers. The profile database 1308 is a combination of the stored profiles908 in profile database 1302 for all of the PCs 906 that are attachableto the system. This is to be distinguished from information stored inthe database 310 of the ARS 308, the advertiser's database, whichcontains intermediate destination tables. When the routing informationin the primary routing information 904 is forwarded to the ARS 308 andextracted from the original data packet, the lookup procedure describedhereinabove can then be performed to determine where this information isto be routed. The profile database 1302 is then utilized for eachtransaction, wherein each transaction in the form of the routinginformation received from the primary routing information 904 iscompared to the destination tables of database 310 to determine whatmanufacturer is associated therewith.

The associated ID 1304 that is transmitted along with the routinginformation in primary routing information 904 is then compared with theprofile database 1308 to determine if a profile associated therewith isavailable. This information is stored in a transaction database 1310such that, at a later time, for each routing code received in the formof the information in primary routing information 904, there will beassociated therewith, the IDs 1304 of each of the PCs 906. Theassociated profiles in database 1308, which are stored in associationwith IDs 1304, can then be assembled and transmitted to a subscriber asreferenced by a subscriber node 1312 on the network 910. The ARS 308 cando this in two modes, a realtime mode or a non-realtime mode. In arealtime mode, each time a PC 906 accesses the advertiser database 310,that user's profile information is uploaded to the subscriber node 1312.At the same time, billing information is generated for that subscriber1312 which is stored in a billing database 1316. Therefore, the ARS 308has the ability to inform the subscriber 1312 of each transaction, billfor those transactions, and also provide to the subscriber 1312 profileinformation regarding who is accessing the particular productadvertisement having associated therewith the routing information field904 for a particular routing code as described hereinabove. Thisinformation, once assembled, can then be transmitted to the subscriber1312 and also be reflected in billing information and stored in thebilling information database 1316.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is illustrated a flowchart depicting theoperation for storing the profile for the user. The program is initiatedin a block 1402 and then proceeds to a function block 1404, wherein thesystem will prompt for the profile upon initiation of the system. Thisinitiation is a function that is set to activate whenever the userinitially loads the software that he or she is provided. The purpose forthis is to create, in addition to the setup information, a user profile.Once the user is prompted for this, then the program will flow to adecision block 1406 to determine whether the user provides basic ordetailed information. This is selectable by the user. If selectingbasic, the program will flow to a function block 1408 wherein the userwill enter basic information such as name and serial number and possiblyan address. However, to provide some incentive to the user to enter moreinformation, the original prompt in function block 1404 would haveoffers for such things as coupons, discounts, etc., if the user willenter additional information. If the user selects this option, theprogram flows from the decision block 1406 to a function block 1410. Inthe function block 1410, the user is prompted to enter specificinformation such as job, income level, general family history,demographic information and more. There can be any amount of informationcollected in this particular function block.

Once all of the information is collected, in either the basic mode orthe more specific mode, the program will then flow to a function block1412 where this information is stored locally. The program then flows toa decision block 1414 to then go on-line to the host or the ARS 308. Ingeneral, the user is prompted to determine whether he or she wants tosend this information to the host at the present time or to send itlater. If he or she selects the “later” option, the program will flow toa function block 1415 to prompt the user at a later time to send theinformation. In the disclosed embodiment, the user will not be able toutilize the software until the profile information is sent to the host.Therefore, the user may have to activate this at a later time in orderto connect with the host.

If the user has selected the option to upload the profile information tothe host, the program will flow to the function block 1416 to initiatethe connect process and then to a decision block 1418 to determine ifthe connection has been made. If not, the program will flow along a “N”path to a decision block 1420 which will timeout to an error block 1422or back to the input of the connect decision block 1418. The program,once connected, will then flow along a “Y” path from decision block 1418to a function block 1428 to send the profile information with the ID ofthe computer or user to the host. The ID is basically, as describedhereinabove, a “cookie” in the computer which is accessed by the programwhen transmitting to the host. The program will then flow to a functionblock 1430 to activate the program such that it, at later time, canoperate without requiring all of the setup information. In general, allof the operation of this flowchart is performed with a “wizard” thatsteps the user through the setup process. Once complete, the programwill flow to a Done block 1432.

Referring now to FIG. 15, there is illustrated a flowchart depicting theoperation of the host when receiving a transaction. The program isinitiated at a Start block 1502 and then proceeds to decision block1504, wherein it is determined whether the system has received a routingrequest, i.e., the routing information 904 in the form of a tone, etc.,embedded in the audio signal, as described hereinabove with respect toFIG. 9. The program will loop back around to the input of decision block1504 until the routing request has been received. At this time, theprogram will flow along the “Y” path to a function block 1506 to receivethe primary routing information and the user ID. Essentially, thisprimary routing information is extracted from the audio tone, inaddition to the user ID. The program then flows to a function block 1508to lookup the manufacturer URL that corresponds to the received primaryrouting information and then return the necessary command information tothe originating PC 108 in order to allow that PC 108 to connect to thedestination associated with the primary routing information. Thereafter,the program will flow to a function block 1510 to update the transactiondatabase 1310 for the current transaction. In general, the routinginformation 904 will be stored as a single field with the associatedIDs. The profile database 1308, as described hereinabove, has associatedtherewith detailed profiles of each user on the system that hasactivated their software in association with their ID. Since the ID wassent in association with the routing information, what is stored in thetransaction database 1310 is the routing code, in association with allof the IDs transmitted to the system in association with that particularrouting code. Once this transaction database 1310 has been updated, asdescribed hereinabove, the transactions can be transferred back to thesubscriber at node 312 with the detailed profile information from theprofile database 1308.

The profile information can be transmitted back to the subscriber ormanufacturer at the node 312 in realtime or non-realtime. A decisionblock 1512 is provided for this, which determines if the delivery isrealtime. If realtime, the program will flow along a “Y” path to afunction block 1514 wherein the information will be immediatelyforwarded to the manufacturer or subscriber. The program will then flowto a function block 1516 wherein the billing for that particularmanufacturer or subscriber will be updated in the billing database 1316.The program will then flow into an End block 1518. If it wasnon-realtime, the program moves along the “N” path to a function block1520 wherein it is set for a later delivery and it is accrued in thetransaction database 1310. In any event, the transaction database 1310will accrue all information associated with a particular routing code.

With a realtime transaction, it is possible for a manufacturer to placean advertisement in a magazine or to place a product on a shelf at aparticular time. The manufacturer can thereafter monitor the times wheneither the advertisements are viewed or the products are purchased. Ofcourse, they must be scanned into a computer which will provide somedelay. However, the manufacturer can gain a very current view of how aproduct is moving. For example, if a cola manufacturer were to provide apromotional advertisement on, for example, television, indicating that anew cola was going to be placed on the shelf and that the first 1000purchasers, for example, scanning their code into the network wouldreceive some benefit, such as a chance to win a trip to some famousresort in Florida or some other incentive, the manufacturer would have avery good idea as to how well the advertisement was received. Further,the advertiser would know where the receptive markets were. If thisadvertiser, for example, had placed the television advertisement in tencities and received overwhelming response from one city, but very poorresponse from another city, he would then have some inclination tobelieve that either one poor-response city was not a good market or thatthe advertising medium he had chosen was very poor. Since the advertisercan obtain a relatively instant response and also content with thatresponse as to the demographics of the responder, very importantinformation can be obtained in a relatively short time.

It should be noted that the disclosed embodiment is not limited to asingle source PC 302, but may encompass a large number of sourcecomputers connected over a global communication network. Additionally,the embodiment is not limited to a single ARS 308 or a single advertiserserver 312, but may include a plurality of ARS and advertiser systems,indicated by the addition of ARS 314 and advertiser server A 316,respectively. It should also be noted that this embodiment is notlimited only to global communication networks, but also may be used withLAN, WAN, and peer-to-peer configurations.

It should also be noted that the disclosed embodiment is not limited toa personal computer, but is also applicable to, for example, a NetworkComputer (“NetPC”), a scaled-down version of the PC, or any system whichaccommodates user interaction and interfaces to information resources.

One typical application of the above noted technique is for providing atriggering event during a program, such as a sport event. In a firstexample, this may be generated by an advertiser. One could imagine that,due to the cost of advertisements in a high profile sports program,there is a desire to utilize this time wisely. If, for example, anadvertiser contracted for 15 seconds worth of advertising time, theycould insert within their program a tone containing the routinginformation. This routing information can then be output to the user PC302 which will cause the user PC 302 to, via the network, obtaininformation from a remote location typically controlled by theadvertiser. This could be in the form of an advertisement of a lengthlonger than that contracted for. Further, this could be an interactivetype of advertisement. An important aspect to the type of interactionbetween the actual broadcast program with the embedded routinginformation and the manufacturer's site is the fact that there isprovided information as to the user PC 302 and a profile of the userthemselves. Therefore, an advertiser can actually gain realtimeinformation as to the number of individuals that are watching theirparticular advertisement and also information as to the background ofthose individuals, profile information, etc. This can be a very valuableasset to an advertiser.

In another example, the producer of the program, whether it be an on-airprogram, a program embedded in a video tape, CD-ROM, DVD, or a cassette,can allow the user to automatically access additional information thatis not displayed on the screen. For example, in a sporting event,various statistics can be provided to the user from a remote location,merely by the viewer watching the program. When these statistics areprovided, the advertiser can be provided with profile information andbackground information regarding the user. This can be important when,for example, the user may record a sports program. If the manufacturersees that this program routing code is being output from some device ata time later than the actual broadcast itself, this allows theadvertisers to actually see that their program is still being used andalso what type of individual is using it. Alternatively, the broadcastercould determine the same and actually bill the advertiser an additionalsum for a later broadcast. This is all due to the fact that the routinginformation automatically, through a PC and a network, will provide anindication to the advertiser the time at which the actual informationwas broadcast.

The different type of medium that can be utilized with the aboveembodiment are such things as advertisements, which are discussedhereinabove, contests, games, news programs, education, couponpromotional programs, demonstration media (demos), and photographs, allof which can be broadcast on a private site or a public site. This allwill provide the ability to allow realtime interface with the networkand the remote location for obtaining the routed information and alsoallow for realtime billing and accounting.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is illustrated a general block diagramof a disclosed embodiment. A machine-resolvable code (MRC) scanning wand1600 is provided by a wand distributor to customers and is associatedwith that distributor via a wand ID stored therein. The wand 1600 iseither sold or freely distributed to customers for use with theirpersonal computing systems. Since more and more products are being soldusing MRCs, it can be appreciated that a user having the wand 1600 canscan MRCs of a multitude of products in order to obtain moreinformation. Information about these products can be made immediatelyavailable to the user from the manufacturer for presentation by theuser's computer 302. Beyond simply displaying information about theproduct in which the user is interested, the wand distributor mayinclude additional advertising information for display to the user suchas information about other promotions or products provided or sold bythe wand distributor. Similarly, advertisers may provide catalogs ofadvertisements or information in newspapers or periodicals where theuser simply scans the MRC associated with the advertisement using thewand 1600 to obtain further information. There is provided a papersource 1602 having contained thereon an advertisement 1604 and anassociated MRC 1606. (Note that the disclosed concept is not limited toscanning of MRCs 1606 from paper sources 1602, but is also operable toscan a MRC 1606 on the product itself. Also, the wand 1600 can be anytype of device that will scan any type of image having informationencoded therein.)

After obtaining the wand 1600 from the wand distributor, the userconnects the wand 1600 to their PC 302. During a scanning operation,wand 1600 reads MRC data 1606 and the wand ID into a “wedge” interface1608 for conversion into keyboard data, which keyboard data is passedtherefrom into the keyboard input port of PC 302. The importance of thewand ID will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

The wedge interface 1608 is simply an interface box containing circuitrythat accommodates inputs from both the scanning wand 1600 and a computerkeyboard 1610. This merely allows the information scanned by the wand1600 to be input into the PC 302. In the disclosed embodiment, the wedgeinterface 1608 will convert any information. The data output from thewand 1600 is passed into the wedge interface 1608 for conversion intokeyboard data which is readily recognizable by the PC 302. Therefore,the wand 1600 is not required to be connected to a separate port on thePC 302. This data is recognized as a sequence of keystrokes. However,the output of the wand 1600 can be input in any manner compatible withthe PC 302. When not receiving scanner data, the wedge interface 1608simply acts as a pass-through device for keyboard data from the keyboard1610. In any case, the information is ultimately processed by aprocessor in the PC 302 and can be presented to the user on a display1612. The wedge interface 1608 is operable to provide a decodingfunction for the MRC 1606 and conversion thereof to keystroke inputdata.

In operation, the product code of a product is provided in the form of aMRC 1606. This MRC 1606 is the “link” to a product. The disclosedembodiment is operable to connect that product information contained inthe MRC 1606 with a web page of the manufacturer of that product byutilizing the MRC 1606 as the product “identifier.” The programoperating on the PC 302 provides routing information to the ARS 308after launching the browser on the PC 302 and connecting to the ARS 308over the GCN 306, which ARS 308 then performs the necessary steps tocause the browser to connect to the manufacturer web site, while alsoproviding for an accounting step, as will be described in more detailhereinbelow.

The MRC 1606 by itself is incompatible with any kind of network for thepurposes of communication therewith. It is primarily provided for aretail-type setting. Therefore, the information contained in the MRC1606, by itself, does not allow for anything other than identificationof a product, assuming that one has a database 1614 containinginformation as to a correlation between the product and the MRC 1606.

The wedge interface 1608 is operable to decode the MRC 1606 to extractthe encoded information therein, and append to that decoded MRCinformation relating to an ID for the wand 1600. This information isthen forwarded to the ARS 308 by the resident program in the PC 302.This is facilitated by intermediate routing information stored in theprogram indicating to which node on the GCN 306 the scanned MRCinformation is to be sent, i.e., to the ARS 308. It is important to notethat the information in the MRC 1606 must be converted from its opticalimage to numerical values which are then ultimately input to thekeyboard input port of PC 302 and converted into data compatible withcommunication software residing on the PC 302 (in this case, HTMLlanguage for insertion into a browser program). When the scannedinformation is input to the PC 302, the resident program launches thebrowser program and then assembles a communication packet comprised ofthe URL of the ARS 308, the wand ID and the user ID. If another type ofcommunications program were utilized, then it would have to be convertedinto language compatible with that program. Of course, a user couldactually key in the information on the MRC 1606 and then append theappropriate intermediate routing information thereafter. As will bedescribed hereinbelow, the intermediate routing information appendedthereto is the URL of the ARS 308 disposed on the GCN 306.

As part of the configuration for using the wand 1600, the PC 302 hostswand software which is operable to interpret data transmitted from thewand 1600, and to create a message packet having the scanned productinformation and wand ID, routing information, and a user ID whichidentifies the user location of the wand 1600. The wand software loadsat boot-up of the PC 302 and runs in the background. In response toreceiving a scanned MRC 1606, the wedge interface 1608 outputs akeystroke code (e.g., ALT-F10) to bring the wand program into theforeground for interaction by the operating system. The wand programthen inserts the necessary information into the browser program. Themessage packet is then transmitted to interface 304 across the globalcommunication network 306 to the ARS 308. The ARS 308 interrogates themessage packet and performs a lookup function using the ARS database310. If a match is found between particular parameters of the messagepacket, a return message packet is sent back to the PC 302 forprocessing.

The wand program running on PC 302 functions to partition the browserwindow displayed to the user into several individual areas. This is forthe purpose of preparing to present to the user selected information ineach of the individual areas (also called “framing”). The selectedinformation comprises the product information which the user requestedby scanning the MRC 1606 using the wand 1600, information about the wanddistributor which establishes the identity of the company associatedwith that particular wand 1600, and at least one or more other frameswhich may be advertisements related to other products that the wanddistributor sells. Note that the advertisements displayed by the wanddistributor may be related to the product of interest or totallyunrelated. For example, if a user scans the MRC 1606 of a soda ofCompany A, the wand distributor may generate an advertisement of a newsoft drink being marketed by Company A, that it sells. On the otherhand, the wand distributor may also structure the display of informationto the user such that a user requesting product information of a ProductX may get the requested information of Product X along withadvertisements for a competing item Product Y. Essentially, the wanddistributor is free to generate any advertisement to the user inresponse to the user requesting product information.

The return message packet transmitted from the ARS 308 to the PC 302 isthen transmitted back across the GCN 306 to the advertiser server 312.The advertiser server 312 restructures the message packet and appendsthe particular product information for transmission back to the PC 302.Upon receiving the particular advertiser information from advertiserserver 312, the PC 302 then retransmits a message to the wanddistributor site 1616 and E-commerce site 1618 to obtain the informationthat needs to be framed in the browser window displayed to the user.

Therefore, the wand 1600 is associated with the wand distributor by wayof a wand ID such that scanning a product MRC 1606 in order to obtaininformation about that particular product generates one or moreresponses from one or more remote sites disposed on the GCN 306. Storedin the wand 1600 is the wand ID which establishes its relationship tothe wand distributor. Proprietary wand software running on the PC 302operates to decode scanned MRC information and the wand ID received fromthe wand 1600 and wedge interface 1608, and also provides a unique userID for establishing the location of the user of the wand 1600. The wandsoftware also assembles message packets and works in conjunction withthe onboard communication software (e.g., a browser) to automaticallyroute the message packets across the GCN 306 such that the one or moreremote sites disposed on the GCN 306 return information to be framed forpresentation to the user.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is illustrated a conversion circuit ofthe wedge interface. A microcontroller 1700 provides conversion of thedata from the wand 1600 and controls interfacing of the keyboard 1610and wand 1600 with the PC 302. The microcontroller 1700 has containedtherein a memory 1702 or it can have external memory. There are provideda plurality of wand interfaces 1704 to the wand 1600, a plurality of PCinterfaces 1706 to the PC 302, and plurality of keyboard interfaces 1708to the keyboard 1610. In general, the wand interfaces 1704 comprise aserial data line, a ground line, and a power line. Similarly, thekeyboard interfaces 1708 comprise a serial data line, a ground line, aclock line, and a power line. The PC 302 provides a clock line, a powerline, a serial data, and a ground line for input to the microcontroller1700. The microcontroller 1700 is operable to receive signals from thekeyboard 1610 and transfer the signals to the PC 302 as keyboardsignals. Operation with the keyboard 1610 is essentially a“pass-through” procedure. Data output from the keyboard 1610 is alreadyin keyboard format, and therefore requires no conversion by the wedgeinterface 1608. With respect to the wand 1600, the serial data is notcompatible with a keyboard 1610 and, therefore, it must be convertedinto a keyboard format in order to allow input thereof to the keyboardinput of the PC 302.

The microcontroller 1700 performs this function after decoding this MRCinformation, and conversion of this MRC information into an appropriatestream of data which is comprised of the MRC information and theappended URL. This appended URL will be pre-stored in the memory 1702and is programmable at the time of manufacture. It is noted that thememory 1702 is illustrated as being contained within the microcontroller1702 to provide a single chip solution. However, this could be externalmemory that is accessible by the microcontroller 1702. Therefore, themicrocontroller 1700 provides an interface between the wand 1600 and thekeyboard 1610 to the PC 302 which allows the wand 1600 to receive codedinformation and convert it to keyboard strokes or, alternatively, tomerely pass-through the keystrokes from the keyboard 1610. Therefore,the user need not install any type of plug-in circuit board into themotherboard of the PC 302 in order to provide an interface to the wand1600; rather, the user need only utilize the already available keyboardport in order to input the appropriate data into the system.

In this particular disclosed embodiment, the microcontroller 1700comprises a PIC16C73 microcontroller by Microchip Technologies™. ThePIC16C73 device is a low cost CMOS 8-bit microcontroller with anintegrated analog-to-digital converter. The PIC16C73 device, asillustrated in the disclosed embodiment, has 192 bytes of RAM and 4 k×4of EPROM memory. The microcontroller 1700 can accommodate asynchronousor synchronous inputs from input devices connected to it. In thisdisclosed embodiment, communication to the keyboard 1610 is synchronouswhile it is asynchronous when communicating with wand 1600.

It should be noted that, although in this particular embodiment MRCinformation of the MRC 1606 is input into the keyboard input port of thePC 302, disclosed methods may also be advantageously utilized with highspeed port architectures such as Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) and IEEE1394.

MRCs (e.g., bar codes) are structured to be read in either direction.Timing considerations need to be addressed because of the variety ofindividuals scanning the MRC introduce a wide variety of scan rates.MRCs use bars of varying widths. The presence of a black bar generates apositive pulse, and the absence of a black bar generates no pulse. Eachcharacter of a conventional MRC has associated therewith seven pulses orbars.

Depending on the width of the bars, the time between pulses varies. Inthis disclosed embodiment, the interface circuitry 1608 performs a“running” calculation of the scan time based upon the rising edge of thepulses commencing with the leader or header information. The minimum andmaximum scans times are calculated continuously in software with theinterface 1608 during the scanning process to ensure a successful scanby the user.

Referring now to FIG. 18, there is illustrated a sample message packettransmitted from the user's PC 302 to the ARS 308. The message packet1800 comprises a number of bits of information including the MRCinformation 1802 obtained from the user scanning the MRC 1606 with thewand 1600; the wand ID 1804 which is embedded in a memory in the wand1600 and identifies it with a particular wand distributor; and a user ID1806 which is derived from the software running on the PC 302 and whichidentifies uniquely with the user location. Note that the message packetincludes other necessary information for the proper transmission forpoint to point.

Referring now to FIG. 19, there is illustrated a more detailed blockdiagram of the routing of the message packets in order to present theframed information to the user. As is mentioned hereinabove, when theuser scans a MRC 1606 using the wand 1600, a wand program running on theuser PC 302 is operable to interpret the information output by the wand1600 and generate a message packet for transmission over the GCN 306.The wand program assembles the message packet such that it is directedto the ARS 308 disposed on the GCN 306. The message packet containsseveral pieces of information including the wand ID 1804 which links itto the wand distributor, the user ID 1806 which identifies theparticular user using the wand 1600, and MRC information 1802 describinga particular product of interest to the user. This message from the PC302 is transmitted over a path 1900 to the ARS 308 where the ARSdatabase 310 is accessed to cross reference the ID information 1804 andMRC information 1802 to a particular advertiser and wand distributor.The ARS 308 returns a message packet over a path 1902 to the user PC 302which contains routing information as to the location of various othersites disposed on the GCN 306, for example, the advertiser server 312and wand distributor site 1616.

It can be appreciated that other information can also be provided by theARS 308 which more closely targets the particular user of the wand 1600.For example, if it is known that a particular wand 1600 is sold in acertain geographic area, this information can be useful in targeting theparticular user with certain advertising information relevant to thatgeographic area. In any case, the information returned from the ARS 308over path 1902 provides enough information for the wand program runningon the user PC 302 to identify a number of other sites disposed on theGCN 306. The user PC 302 then processes the return message packet androutes another message packet over a path 1904 to the advertiser server312. The advertiser server 312 then returns product information of theparticular product in which the user was interested back to the user PC302 over a path 1906. Similarly, the user PC 302 routes information(e.g., the URL of the wand distributor site and the user profile) to thewand distributor site 1616 over a path 1908 in order to obtaininformation back over a path 1910 for framing any banners which identifythe wand distributor. Additionally, the user PC 302 forwards a messagepacket to the E-commerce site 1618 over a path 1912 in order to returninformation regarding any particular advertisements the wand distributorwants to display to the user. The advertisements are returned to the PC302 over a path 1914.

Referring now to FIG. 20, there is illustrated a block diagram of abrowser window according to the disclosed embodiment. The browser window2000 is partitioned into a plurality of areas for framing specificinformation. An MRC area 2002 displays that product information in whichthe user was interested; a wand-specific area 2004 displays informationabout the wand distributor; and an E-commerce area 2006 displaysadvertising information that the wand distributor selects for displayaccording to this particular user and wand 1600. As mentionedhereinabove, a program operable to process scanned MRC information withthe unique wand 1600 develops the browser window by partitioning it intospecific areas for the framing of information. Therefore, informationreturned from the E-commerce site 1608 is passed through the GCN 306 tothe particular E-commerce frame 2006. Similarly, information about theparticular product of interest is returned from the advertiser site 312across the GCN 306 to the particular MRC specific area 2002. Informationplaced in the wand specific area 2004 is information about the wanddistributor which is returned from the wand distributor site 1616 acrossGCN 306.

Referring now to FIG. 21, there is illustrated a structure ofinformation contained in the ARS database. The ARS database 310 containsa variety of information required to properly interrogate and assemblepackets for obtaining information from the various sites disposed on theGCN 306. The ARS database 310 has a database structure 2100 whichcontains addresses for the web sites containing the product informationrequested by the user when scanning the MRC 1606 with the wand 1600.Under a Product heading 2102 are listed the particular MRCs andassociated routing information for addressing the respective serverlocation. For example, the ARS server 308 may contain any number ofadvertisers having unique URL addresses associated therewith. Therefore,the MRC 1606 of a particular product is associated with a unique URLaddress which routes any request for information of that product to thatparticular advertiser's site. Also part of the ARS database structure2000 is a heading of Wand 2104 under which is the wand ID 1804 and thedistributor associated with that wand ID 1804.

It can be appreciated that there may be a number of distributors usingthe disclosed architecture such that each distributor has an ID embeddedin the wand 1600 which uniquely identifies that wand with the particulardistributor. Therefore, the unique wand ID 1804 needs to be listed withthe respective distributors of that wand 1600 in order to process theinformation that needs to be framed and displayed to that particularuser. Another heading under the ARS database structure 2100 is a userheading 2106 which contains profile information associated with thatparticular user ID 1806. As mentioned hereinabove, the user ID 1806 isobtained via the wand software running on the PC 302 and uponinstallation or subsequent configuration may request that the user inputcertain profile information which maybe used to target that particularuser with products and services which identify with that user profile.The ARS database structure 2100 also contains an E-commerce heading 2108which contains information related to the MRC 1606 and an advertisementthat may be triggered by the request for that information. For example,any MRC 1606 associated with a paper source 1602 can be associated withthe specific information in the ARS database 310. A user wishing toobtain information about a specific soft drink may, in fact, trigger anadvertising response of a competitor product. Similarly, the userinterested in information about that particular soft drink may alsotrigger information which is relevant to that particular product or aproduct which may normally be served in conjunction with that softdrink. Furthermore, if the user profile indicates that this individualhas significant interest in finance or insurance, the request forinformation regarding this particular MRC product may triggeradvertisement from an E-commerce server 1618 related to informationabout finance and insurance. It should be noted that the informationdescribed as contained within the ARS database structure 2100 is notlimited to what has been described, but may comprise any number ofpieces of information used to present desired information to thecomputer display of the user.

Referring now to FIG. 22, there is illustrated a flowchart of theprocess of receiving information from the user's perspective, andaccording to the disclosed embodiment. The wand software running on theuser's PC 302 runs in the background until activated by output from thewand 1600. Therefore, flow moves to a decision block 2200 where if ascanned input does not occur, flow moves out the “N” path and loops backto the input of decision block 2200. On the other hand, if scanned inputinformation is received, flow moves out the “Y” path to a function block2202 where the wand software assembles a message packet containing theMRC information, the wand ID 1804 and the ARS 308 URL address.Additionally, the browser is launched in which this information isplaced for transmission to the ARS 308. Flow then moves to a functionblock 2204 where the browser is partitioned into any number of areas inwhich information is displayed when obtained from the wand distributorsite 1616, the E-commerce site 1618, and the advertiser server 312. Itshould be known that although three frames are shown in the particularwindow 2000 of this embodiment, the number of frames displayed in thewindow 2000 is limited only by the available real estate of the window2000 area itself.

After the wand software partitions the browser window into one or moreframes in preparation of receipt of return information, flow moves to adecision block 2206 where the computer waits for information to bereturned from the various sites disposed on the GCN 306. If informationis not returned, flow moves out the “N” path and simply loops back tothe input to continue monitoring for receipt of the information. Ifinformation has been received, flow moves out the “Y” path to a functionblock 2208 where routing information for each frame (or partitioned areaof the window 2000) is inserted into one or more packets fortransmission to the various sites. The various sites then return therequested information back to the PC 302, as indicated in function block2210. Flow is then to a function block 2212 where the proprietarysoftware working in conjunction with the hosted browser places thereturned information into the respective frames of the window. The user,viewing the display at PC 302, then perceives a variety of information,one of which is the particular product information which he or sherequested, in addition to wand distributor information, and possiblyother advertisements based upon the user's profile.

Referring now to FIG. 23, there is illustrated a flowchart of theprocess according to the ARS. The ARS 308 is operable to decode andprocess messages received from the GCN 306. Therefore, flow is to adecision block 2300 where, if MRC information is not received, flow isout the “N” path with loop-back to its input. If MRC information hasbeen received, flow is to a function block 2302 where a matching processoccurs to link the bar-coded product information to its respectivemanufacturer. The ARS database 310 also associates the URL address ofthe manufacturer's server. When a match is found, the ARS 308 begins toassemble a message packet of information for transmission back to the PC302, as indicated in function block 2304. The message packet containsthe product information and the URL address of the manufacturer'swebsite. Flow then moves to a decision block 2306 where the wand ID 1804is compared with the list of wand IDs issued by the particular wanddistributor. If the wand ID 1804 is validated, flow moves out the “Y”path to a function block 2308 where the message packet is appended withthe wand ID 1804 and distributor routing address. Flow then moves to adecision block 2310 where the ARS 308 determines if any E-commerceinformation is to be associated with a particular wand ID 1804. If so,flow is out the “Y” path to a function block 2312 where the messagepacket is appended with the E-commerce routing string. The E-commercerouting string provides addressing for the E-commerce server 1618. Flowthen moves to a function block 2314 where all message packets arereturned back to the PC 302 for processing.

Referring back to decision block 2306, if the wand ID 1804 is determinedto be invalid, flow moves out the “N” path and jumps forward to theinput of decision block 2314, since the lack of a wand ID 1804interrupts the link to any advertising provided by the E-commerce server1618. At this point, the only information provided is the link to theadvertiser server 312 for return of product information. Referring nowto decision block 2310, if no E-commerce information is available, flowmoves out the “N” path and jumps forward to the input of function block2314 where the message packet back to the PC 302 contains only the URLof the advertiser server 312, the MRC information, the distributorserver 1616 address and wand ID 1804 information.

Referring now to FIG. 24, there is illustrated a flowchart of theprocess performed at the E-commerce site. The E-commerce server 1618receives the message packet from the user PC 302, as indicated infunction block 2400, and decodes the packet to perform a match with theMRC information. Moving on to a decision block 2402, if the match isunsuccessful, flow is out the “N” path to a function block 2404 wherethe match is rejected. A message may be returned to indicate that aproblem occurred and the user may need to re-scan the product MRC 1606.If a successful match occurs, flow moves out the “Y” path to a functionblock 2406 where the wand ID 1804 is matched with the MRC productinformation. The MRC information may be distributed to customers over alarge geographic area. However, the wand 1606 may be coded for certaingeographic areas. For example, a wand 1600 having an XXX ID may berestricted for sale in the Southwestern United States while a wand 1600having a YYY ID may be sold only in the Northeast. In this way,geographic areas may be targeted with advertising more appealing to thatparticular area. Advertising returned to the user PC 302 may be focusedfurther by obtaining a user profile when the software or wand 1600 areinstalled. In this way, advertising may be focused based upon the userprofile. Therefore, flow moves to a function block 2408 to lookup theE-commerce action based upon the wand ID 1804 and the MRC information.Flow moves to a function block 2410 to assemble all the information intoa packet for return to the user PC 302. The product information and/oruser profile information may be returned. Flow is then to a functionblock 2412 where the message packet is transmitted.

Automatic Configuration of Computer Equipment

The disclosed architecture has application in a number of systems. Forexample, in a first category of novel embodiments, the automaticconfiguration architecture can be applied to computers andcomputer-related peripherals. In a second category of novel embodiments,the architecture can be applied to non-computer-related equipment, forexample, test equipment, network equipment, and scientific instruments,i.e., any network appliance other than a personal computer. Notably,that although the disclosed novel embodiments are discussed in thecontext of packet-switched networks, application also pertains toconnections over circuit-switched networks such as the Public SwitchedTelephone Network (PSTN). With the proliferation of smart paging devicesand cellular telephones, automatic configuration of such devices canalso be obtained over the PSTN using the disclosed novel aspects.

Referring now to FIG. 25, there is illustrated a system block diagram ofa preferred embodiment. The configuration process includes requestingany one or more of the following configuration information: devicedriver software for facilitating operation of hardware with anapplication and/or system, firmware software for providing the basicinput/output system code for a piece of hardware, software updates for aspecific software application, and operating mode information forsetting the hardware in a specific mode of operation. Note that anyother data which facilitates implementation, operation and control of ahardware and/or software component can also be included for use with thedisclosed novel architecture. Notification to the user of theavailability of the configuration information is provided in any of anumber of formats, for example, a document 1602 having a text portion1604 understandable by the user and describing the particular type ofconfiguration information and computer module to which it refers mayapply, and one or more machine-resolvable codes 1606 (e.g., an MRC 1606having an embedded transaction code in the format of any of a number ofrecognized formats such as UPC, EAN, ISBN, etc.) associated with theparticular configuration information and located on the document 1602which are scanable or readable by the wand 1600.

The system is substantially similar in operation to the system of FIG.16 hereinabove, in that the wand 1600 connects to the interface unit1608 which in turn connects to the keyboard port of the user PC 302. Theinterface 1608 converts data from the wand 1600 into keyboard-compatibleprotocols which are then transmitted to the PC 302 via the keyboardport. When the wand 1600 is not in use, input from the keyboard 1610 ispassed through the interface 1608 unconverted and into the keyboard portof the PC 302. The document media 1602 containing the MRC 1606 can beprovided to the user in many different forms, for example, in the formof advertisements in newspapers, flyers submitted in the mail, or anykind of documentation or printable files which can be provided to theuser of the user PC 302. MRCs 1606 are also attached to hardware and/orprinted on the hardware for easy tracking. Numerous internal computercomponents are marked with an MRC 1606, for example, memory modules,hard drives, motherboards, adaptor cards, power supplies, CDROM drives,processors, etc. Similarly, many external peripherals are alsodistributed with attached MRCs 1606, for example, printers, sheetscanners, modems, PCMCIA devices, routers, hubs, external drives(CD-ROMs, hard drives, optical drives, etc.) and a whole host of otherdevices not mentioned here. The MRC, in one aspect of the disclosedembodiment, is a unique code that has no apparent relationship with thearticle to which it is attached (as to the configuration operationdescribed herein), the relationship contained in a relational database,as will be described hereinbelow.

Upon scanning of the MRC 1606 with the wand 1600, the encodedtransaction information is received into the interface 1608 and appendedwith routing information, which routing information contains the networkaddress of an intermediate node on the GCN 306. In accordance with thenetwork address, the transaction code information and other data arethen assembled into a message packet for ultimate transmission to theremote intermediary site on the GCN 306.

In this particular scenario, the intermediate node or location isdesignated as a vendor reference server (VRS) 2500. The VRS 2500 issubstantially similar to the ARS 308 mentioned hereinabove, in that theVRS 2500 contains most of the same information, and more (e.g., userprofile information), and which in some embodiments, may require asubstantially more complex database to track additional informationassociated with the disclosed embodiments. The VRS 2500 has associatedwith it a VRS database 2502, a relational database, for storing thedatabase which will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.Therefore, when the user scans the MRC 1606 with the wand 1600, a datapacket is ultimately assembled with appended routing information suchthat the user PC 302 directs transmission of the data packet through theinterface 304 (e.g., a modem or router) across the GCN 306 to the VRS2500. At the VRS 2500, a lookup operation in a relational database isperformed such that any one of a number of matching operations can occurto obtain a network address of a vendor web server (VWS) 2504. In oneembodiment, the transaction code is used to obtain the network addressof the VWS 2504. The parameters which are transmitted from the user PC302 to the intermediary VRS 2500 will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow.

Upon determining the network address of the associated VWS 2504, a datapacket is assembled by the VRS 2500 containing the network address ofthe VWS 2504, in addition to other data, such as the transaction code,user profile information, etc. The data packet is transmitted back tothe user PC 302, which then transmits the associated information in theform of the transaction code, etc., to the VWS 2504 utilizing thenetwork address from the VRS 2500, where the requested configurationinformation indicated by the transaction code of the MRC 1606 isreturned to the user PC 302 and installed on either the user PC and/orthe hardware peripheral. Therefore, upon the user deciding to scan theMRC 1606 with the wand 1600, configuration information is returned fromthe network-based VWS 2504 back to the user PC 302 and installed. Asindicated in FIG. 25, there can be more than a single VWS 2505 to whichthe lookup operation at the VRS 2500 is associated. For example, asecond vendor web server (VWS₂) 2508 having its respective VWS₂ database2510 can be linked to the transaction code in the VRS database 2502, orlinked through the VWS 2504 to one or more other vendor servers when therequested configuration information is not available on the VWS 2504.Notably, the VRS 2500 and associated VRS database 2502 are substantiallysimilar to the ARS 308 and its ARS database 310 in both structure andfunction. Similarly, the VWS 2504 and its VWS database 2506 aresubstantially similar to the advertiser server 312 and its database ofinformation (not shown in FIG. 16).

Referring now to FIG. 26, there is illustrated a flowchart of thegeneral automatic configuration process which occurs using the system ofFIG. 25. Flow begins at a Start block and moves to a function block 2600where the user scans the MRC 1606 with the wand 1600, the MRC 1606having encoded therein a transaction code that is associated with theparticular configuration information of a computer component (hardwareor software). Flow then is to a function block 2602 where a messagepacket is assembled at the user PC 302 for ultimate transmission acrossthe GCN 306 to the VRS 2500 containing the transaction code (afterextraction from the MRC 1606). Flow is then to a function block 2604where routing information associated with the intermediate VRS 2500 isappended to the assembled data packet by the interface 1608. Flowcontinues to a function block 2606 where the total data packet,including routing information, is inserted into a network communicationprogram which runs in the background of the operating system (OS) of PC302 (or in the foreground, in an alternate embodiment).

The network communication package then transmits the data packet to theVRS 2500 in accordance with the routing information, as indicated in afunction block 2608. Flow is then to a function block 2610 where alookup operation is performed at the VRS 2500 in order to obtain theaddress of the VWS 2504. The lookup operation uses the transaction codeinformation as a parameter or a pointer to find the appropriate networkserver address in the database 2502 from which to access the relevantconfiguration information. Flow is then to a function block 2612 where aconnection is made from the VRS 2500 across the GCN 306 to the VWS 2504in accordance with the intermediate data packet information assembled atVRS 2500 and returned to the user PC 302, and in response to thescanning of the MRC 1606. Flow is then to a function block 2614 wherethe configuration information associated with the transaction codecontained in the data packet received from the user PC 302 is thenobtained from the VWS database 2506. Flow is then to a function block2616 where the configuration information is then transmitted back to theuser PC 302 from the VWS 2504, and installed, as indicated in a functionblock 2618. Flow is then to a Stop block where the automaticconfiguration process ends. The process disclosed hereinabove operateswith the VRS database 2502 storing all of the pertinent user profileinformation in order to facilitate automatic retrieval and configurationusing the configuration information. In an alternative embodimentdiscussed hereinbelow, the VRS database 2502 contains only that amountof information necessary to link the user PC 302 to the VWS 2504.Therefore, more information about the user PC 302 and hardware/softwarewhich needs to be configured, is transmitted in the message packet fromthe user PC 302 to the VWS 2504 in order to retrieve the desiredconfiguration information.

Referring now to FIGS. 27A and 27B, there is illustrated a flowchart ofa more detailed process for obtaining configuration information relatedto a device driver update and/or software application update where userPC 302 and hardware/software data is transmitted from the user PC 302.This particular flowchart describes a process whereby user profileinformation is not stored in the VRS database 2502, and which requiresthat certain system information about the user PC 302 or peripheral betransmitted along with the transaction code in order to obtain thecorrect configuration information for the user PC 302 or peripheral.Flow begins at a function block 2700 where the user installs aparticular device or component into the user PC 302. Flow is then to afunction block 2702 where the user has, at one point or another,received a document having the MRC 1606 and readable text 1604 whichinforms the user of an available driver update associated with theparticular installed device, or the product itself having the attachedor imprinted MRC 1606. (Note that the MRC 1606 may be attached to thehardware component itself.) The user then scans the MRC 1606 with thewand 1600 to initiate the process of automatically receiving the devicedriver from the remote VWS 2504. (Notably, where provided, the usercould manually enter the transaction code number printed in proximate tothe MRC 1606 using the keyboard 1608 instead of using the wand 1600.)

Flow is then to a function block 2704 where the transaction code isinterrogated before transmission to the VRS 2500 to make a preliminarydetermination as to whether the MRC 1606 is related to a request forupdated device driver information, updated firmware information,operating mode information, or a software application update. Thepreliminary interrogation of the transaction code is required since, insome cases certain additional system information is required in order toobtain the correct device driver. For example, device drivers arespecific to particular operating systems, therefore the message packet,in this particular embodiment, includes data indicating which operationsystem the user PC 302 is running. Note that where the user profile isstored on the VRS database 2505, this information can also be obtainedlater at the VRS 2500, and does not have to be made at the user PC 302.

Flow is then to a decision block 2706 where a determination is made asto whether the configuration information of the interrogated MRC 1606relates to a device driver or software application update. Thisdetermination process is made since existing OS information is alsorequired to obtain the correct driver software or software update. Ifthe MRC 1606 is not related to a device driver or software updatetransaction code, flow is out the “N” path to a function block 2708where program flow jumps to a corresponding routine for implementing theremaining firmware update or operating mode routine. On the other hand,if the interrogated MRC 1606 is associated with the user requesting anupdated device driver or software application update, flow is out the“Y” path to a function block 2710 where the type of OS running on theuser PC. 302 needs to be determined to retrieve the appropriatesoftware. For example, if the user PC 302 is running the Windows 98® OS,that information needs to be known to prevent the download of anincompatible driver for use with the Apple® OS, or a UNIX OS. Similarly,such OS information is required to properly update the desired softwareapplication.

Flow is then to a function block 2712 where a data packet is assembledhaving, for example, a user ID (which can be used for ultimatelyidentifying the location of the user PC 302 on the GCN 306), transactioncode information, OS information, existing device driver information (orsoftware version information, in the case of updating a softwareapplication), a device ID (to properly identify the existing device inthe user PC 302 for which the user wants the updated information), andappended VRS 2500 routing information (to provide the network address ofthe VRS 2500). Note that the assembled data packet need not have thismuch information or it may have more information, depending upon theparticular goals to be attained with the disclosed architecture. The VWS2504 may obtain information at a later time after connection is madebetween the user PC 302 and the VWS 2504. Flow is then to a functionblock 2714 where the assembled data packet is transmitted to the VRS2500. At the VRS 2500, a lookup process using the transaction codeinformation attempts to retrieve an associated network address of theVWS 2504 from the database 2502, as indicated in the function block2716. Flow is then to a decision block 2718 to determine if a match hasbeen made. If not, flow is out the “N” path to a function block 2720where a message is returned to the user indicating that a match has notoccurred and that other steps must be taken to complete the updateand/or configuration operation. Flow is then to a Stop block 2722.

On the other hand, if a match has occurred in decision block 2718, flowis out the “Y” path to a function block 2724 where a second messagepacket containing the matched network address, user profile informationfor identifying user, and transaction code is assembled and routed tothe user PC 302, and then to the VWS 2504. Note that at this point theVRS database 2502 may contain network addresses for a number of VWS 2504servers where a plurality of vendors may provide drivers for aparticular device. For example, a graphics adaptor manufacturer maycontract with a popular manufacturer of a graphics processor to supply alarge number of its particular graphics processors for that particulargraphics adaptor. In this scenario, the vendor of the graphics processormay write driver updates for that processor, in addition to the vendorwho is selling the particular graphics card writing its own set ofdrivers. Therefore, the installed device or card may have more than onesource of different device drivers. In this scenario, the user may beprompted through a software interface, and after first accessing the VRS2500 during initial setup and entry of user profile information, toselect from one or more of the source vendors for a particular devicedriver update. Alternatively, the user may specify from which vendor ofa number of vendors that he or she may want the update to be obtained.This vendor selection will then be contained in the user profile whichis stored on the VRS database 2502.

Flow is then to a function block 2726 where, upon receiving the secondmessage packet from the VRS 2500 at the VWS 2504 via the user PC 302,another lookup operation at the VWS 2504 is performed to associate thescanned transaction code with the device driver or software updateinformation stored on the VWS database 2506. (Alternatively, theassociated address of the VWS 2504 may include the complete URL pathwhich would then forego the need for another lookup operation at the VWS2504.) This first vendor lookup may narrow the search of device driversto a particular device model. Flow is then to a decision block 2728 todetermine if a match has occurred. If not, flow is out the “N” path to afunction block 2730 where a message is returned to the user to takeother action. Flow is then to a Stop point. If a match has occurred,flow is out the “Y” path of decision block 2728 to a function block 2732to access the driver database located on the VWS database 2506. Flow isthen to a function block 2734 where the OS of the user PC 302 is used tofurther define which particular driver from the driver database will bereturned to the user. Flow is then to a function block 2736 where acomparison of the existing driver information (obtained from the user PC302) with the latest driver version information contained within the VWSdatabase 2506, is made. Flow is then to a decision block 2738 where, ifa match has occurred, flow is out the “Y” path to a function block 2740where a message is returned to the user indicating that the user has thelatest version of device driver, and that no download is required.

In a feature benefitting a troubleshooting function, or to correct theinstall of an error-inducing (“buggy”) or incompatible driver, the usermay also, at this time, be prompted by the VWS 2504 to affirmativelyselect to have the updated information downloaded and installed or theuser may deny the request. Furthermore, the user may selectively enableinstallation of a previous version to bring the PC 302 back to stableoperation from the installation of a new and buggy updated driver. Onthe other hand, if the match has not occurred, indicating that the userdoes not have the latest driver software installed on the user PC 302,flow is out “N” path to a function block 2742 where the latest driver isthen retrieved from the VWS database 2506 (or alternative linked source)and downloaded to the user PC 302. Flow is then to a function block 2744where the latest driver information is installed on the user PC 302,which installation typically involves loading the software and thenrebooting the user PC 302 to enable execution of the update to verifythat the update is compatible with the particular user PC 302 system. Ineither case of the user not having the latest updated driver informationor having the latest updated driver information, flow is from functionblock 2744 and from function block 2740 to the input of a decision block2746 to determine if the present drivers are operating properly with theuser PC 302. If so, flow is out the “Y” path to a function block 2748where the driver is retained as an installed driver on the user PC 302.At this point, flow is to a function block 2750 where the user hasupdated the device driver or already had the latest device driverinstalled; this configuration information can optionally be used toupdate the VRS database 2502 and/or the VWS database 2506, whicheverdatabase is determined to be that which records the user information (ifthis disclosed database function is introduced into the particular userapplication). Flow is then to a stopping point.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the latest downloaded andinstalled driver is incompatible or buggy, flow is out the “N” path to afunction block 2752 where the user may be prompted to go back to anearlier device driver that is compatible with the user PC 302. Thisincompatibility issue is determined by the user PC 302 being rebootedafter installation and typically becomes apparent to the user throughthe presentation of one or more error messages or device failures. Atthis point, the user may request that the earlier or prior version thatwas recently overwritten during the latest install process bereinstalled, since that device driver most likely was compatible withthe user PC 302. It can be appreciated that, in more sophisticatedscenarios, the user may be presented with a menu where he or she mayselect from a variety of versions of device drivers which may beinstalled on the user PC 302 for various reasons including technicaltroubleshooting of the user PC 302. Flow is then to a function block2754 where the user downloads and installs the selected device driverversion from the VWS 2504. Flow is then to a function block 2756 wherethe VRS database 2502 and/or the VWS database 2506 are updated with therelevant information regarding the user and the particular device driverinstalled on the user PC 302 (if this optional feature is provided).Flow is then to a function block 2758 where a bug report could beforwarded to the VWS 2504 indicating that the attempt to load the latestdevice driver for the particular device failed on this user PC 302.Transmission of the bug report back to the VWS 2504 is beneficial inthat the vendor can expeditiously obtain feedback on the quality ofdevice drivers provided for the particular device, and perhapscommunicate with the user of the user PC 302 via email to moreaccurately ascertain the problems associated with the device driver.Flow is then to a stopping point.

Referring now to FIGS. 28A and 28B, there is illustrated a flowchart forthe process for obtaining a firmware update by scanning an MRC 1606 of adocument, in response to which several pieces of information aretransmitted for the user PC 302. Flow begins where the user installs thedevice, component or module which requires the firmware update, into theuser PC 302, as illustrated in a function block 2800. Flow is then to afunction block 2802 where the user scans the MRC 1606 of the document1602 with a wand 1600. (As noted hereinabove, the MRC 1606 may also bescanned from the product or component, itself.) Flow is then to afunction block 2804 where the existing device firmware version of therecently-installed device is determined. This determination can be madeby the user simply viewing and recording the firmware versioninformation as it is displayed during boot-up of the PC 302, or in amore sophisticated manner by providing a software algorithm that readsthe device firmware version. Flow is then to a function block 2806 wherea data packet is assembled having the MRC transaction code firmwareversion information and an appended routing address associated with theVRS 2500. Also included in the data packet is the source address whichidentifies the source or node location on the GCN 306 of the user PC302, and which facilitates return of any information back to the user PC302. Also included is a user ID that is unique to the user andassociated with user profile information in the database 2502. Flow isthen to a function block 2808 where the assembled data packet istransmitted to the intermediate node location (which is the VRS 2500)according to the VRS address appended to the data packet. Flow is thento a function block 2810 where a lookup operation is commenced with datain the VRS database 2502 to match the transaction code with anassociated address of the VWS 2504.

Flow is then to a decision block 2812 where, if a match does not occur,flow is out the “N” path to a function block 2814 where a message isreturned to the user indicating that a match has not occurred, andpossibly either firmware update information does not exist for theparticular device or perhaps problems have occurred which require theuser to take alternative steps to receive the updated information. Flowis then to a Stop block. On the other hand, if a match has occurred,flow is out the “Y” path to a function block 2816 where the address ofthe VWS 2504 is retrieved from the VRS database 2502 and appended toanother message packet being assembled for transmission to the VWS 2504via the user PC 302 and having the transaction information and existingfirmware version code in use by the device on the user PC 302. Thismessage packet is then used to connect to the VWS 2504 via the user PC302 where another lookup operation is performed to match portions of thetransaction code with the particular firmware database to obtain thelatest firmware version information, as indicated in a function block2818. (Alternatively, as noted hereinabove, the VRS database 2502 maycontain the network address and full data path to location of thefirmware file foregoing the need for an additional lookup operation atthe VWS 2504. However, the transaction code and user profile informationmay still be required for the configuration/update.) Flow is then to adecision block 2820, and if a match has not occurred, flow is out the“N” path to a function block 2822 where a message is returned to theuser from the VWS 2504 indicating that perhaps no updated informationexists or an error has occurred which requires the user to, for example,re-scan the MRC 1606. Flow is then to a stopping point.

On the other hand, if there is a successful match with the MRCtransaction information in the VWS database 2506, flow is out the “Y”path to a function block 2824 to compare the existing firmware versionof the installed device in the user PC 302 with the firmware versionretrieved from the VWS database 2506. Flow is then to a decision block2826 where if the versions are the same, flow is out the “Y” path to afunction block 2828 to return a message to the user to the effect thatthe user has the latest version and that no upgrade process willcommence. Flow is then to a stopping point. On the other hand, if amatch does not occur (indicating that the user does not have the latestversion of firmware), flow is out the “N” path of decision block 2826 toa function block 2830 to download the latest firmware code to the userPC 302. Flow is then to a function block 2832 where the latest firmwareis then installed on the user PC 302, which may be installed at thediscretion of the user. In this case, the user may be prompted via asoftware window offering a variety of options to the user to, forexample, perform the installation at a later time or to go ahead withthe installation at this particular time. The user may also be providedthe option of installing a version earlier than the existing softwarefor the purposes of troubleshooting. In many cases, installing thelatest firmware can result in errors or incompatibilities with existingsystem components or drivers currently residing on the user PC 302. Inthis case the user may choose to uninstall the latest firmware versionto place the user PC 302 back in an operable condition such that theuser can use the user PC 302 for its intended purposes.

After the software has been installed, the PC 302 is typically requiredto be restarted. If any incompatibility issues or errors occur due toinstallation of the latest firmware code, the PC 302 will usuallyindicate such problems after the reboot cycle. Therefore, flow is thento a decision block 2834 to determine if the latest firmware version iscompatible with the system of the user PC 302. If the latest firmwareinstall is compatible, flow is out the “Y” path of decision block 2834to a function block 2836 where the latest firmware download will beretained on the user PC 302. Flow is then to a function block 2838 wherein one scenario, as mentioned hereinabove, the VRS database 2502 and/orthe VWS database 2506 may be updated with the user information such thatany subsequent update requests to update firmware can be expeditedsimply by checking the respective database (2502 and/or 2506) againstthe latest published firmware versions at the VWS 2504. Similarly withthis updated information residing in the VRS database 2502, a request bythe user to check for the latest firmware updates can be resolved at theVRS 2500 instead of connecting to the VWS 2504 to perform the matchingand lookup operation.

As indicated hereinabove, if the latest installed firmware version isincompatible, flow is out the “N” path of decision block 2834 to afunction block 2840 where the user can then be offered the option ofuninstalling the recently-installed code and selecting the previousinstalled version of firmware to put the user PC and the associateddevice which operates using the firmware code, back in an operable anderror free condition. It can be appreciated that the user may choose toselect a version of firmware that is prior to the previous version offirmware, wherein this selection can be used to troubleshoot or to testvarious aspects of the device or user PC 302. Flow is then to a functionblock 2844 where the update process of either one or both of thedatabases VRS 2502 or VWS 2506 may occur such that any subsequentrequests for updates can be facilitated or expedited at the databaselevel. Flow is then to function block 2846 where a bug report can thenbe sent to the VWS 2504 to closely track compatibility issues with thelatest issued firmware version. As indicated hereinabove, these bugreports can then facilitate communication via e-mail to the user whoattempted to install the latest firmware in order to ascertain what theproblems with the installation may have been. Flow is then to a Stopblock 2848 where the process ends.

Referring now to FIG. 29, there is illustrated an alternative embodimentwhere the MRC code containing the transaction information is located onthe computer component or peripheral itself. In this particularembodiment, the user scans an MRC 2900 (similar to MRC 1606) located onthe component, which may be, for example, a graphics adapter card 2902.The MRC information contains, as described hereinabove, a unique codethat is associated with the model number of the particular component2902, such that a message packet is assembled with this unique andappended routing information directing transmission of the data packetacross the GCN 306 to the VRS 2500. A matching operation using theunique code is then performed at the VRS 2500 using the VRS database2502 to obtain the network address of the associated VWS 2504.Information relevant to the version of the latest firmware or devicedrivers are then obtained from the VWS database 2506, as describedhereinabove, and returned to the user PC 302 to inform the user of thelatest versions of both the firmware and device drivers, and forautomatic or optional install.

In a second scenario, the scanned transaction information is temporarilystored on the user PC such that after the user scans the MRC 2900 of theadaptor 2902, and prior to installation of the adapter 2902 in the PC302, the MRC information is stored in the user PC 302 prior totransmission to the VRS 2500. The user then powers down the PC 302,installs the device 2902, and powers up the PC 302, at which time thecommunication package running on the PC 302 transmits the MRCinformation and other associated user and/or device ID informationacross the GCN 306 to the VRS 2500. The latest updates can then beobtained from the VWS 2504, as described hereinabove, and returned tothe user PC 302 for installation.

It can be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, after the userinitially scans the MRC 2900 of the uninstalled adapter card 2902, butprior to powering down the PC 302, the software retrieval process hasalready begun whereby the retrieval process downloads to a queue avariety of software updates for the particular model of scanned adaptor2902. For example, instead of waiting until after boot-up of the PC 302in order to read the existing version of software (firmware and driver)so as to retrieve the appropriate file or files, the retrieval processcommences immediately to return all of the software files for the mostwidely used operating systems (e.g., Window 95®, Window 98®, Windows2000®, Linux®, and Apple®). Upon boot-up, the user then has all of thenecessary downloaded software information waiting in a queue which ismore quickly accessible.

The component or device 2902 also has associated with it a CPU 2904 forcontrolling operations on the device adaptor 2902, an ID chip 2906 whichcontains a hard-coded unique ID for the device 2902, and a non-volatilememory 2908 which contains the firmware (i.e., Basic Input/OutputSystem—BIOS) for the device 2902. The firmware is a software code whichis stored within the non-volatile memory 2908 for execution andhandshaking with the PC 302 operating system during power-up sequence ofthe PC 302. In one or more embodiments mentioned hereinabove, thenon-volatile memory 2908 is read along with the unique ID 2906 andassembled into the data packet for transmission to the VRS 2500. As willbe discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, the unique ID 2906 may beentered into one or more databases which maintain a user profileassociated with the various components installed in the user PC 302.Additionally, the wand 1600 is identified by a unique ID which may alsobe downloaded and stored in, for example, the VRS database 2502 and/orthe VWS database 2506, or an auxiliary database (not shown). It can beappreciated that a particular software application in operation on PC302 can retrieve a variety of parameters and unique ID information whichcan be ultimately stored in association with the user profile on the VRSdatabase 2502 or other databases, as desired.

Referring now to FIGS. 30A and 30B, there is illustrated a flowchart ofan alternative embodiment where a computer component or peripheral isautomatically interrogated after installation and power-up in the userPC 302 without scanning of the attached MRC. (Note that with some of themore recent technologies such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), theperipheral can be connected to the PC 302 while the PC 302 is in itspowered state.) Flow begins at a Start block and continues to a functionblock 3000 where the user installs the device or adapter 2902 into theuser PC 302. The user then powers up the user PC 302, as indicated inthe function block 3002. Flow is then to a function block 3004 where theresident operating system (OS) detects the installed device 2902 and theOS responds by loading an available driver (not necessarily the desiredmanufacturer's driver) for the particular device 2902, as indicated in afunction block 3006. Alternatively, the user could be prompted toinstall the driver that was provided by the manufacturer on distributionmedia (e.g., diskettes or a CD), and that typically comes with the newdevice or peripheral 2902. However, it is conceivable that theaccompanying device driver may still not be the latest as provided bythe vendor of the device 2902.

Flow is then to a function block 3008 where the OS completes or nearscompletion of the boot-up process, and the firmware ID and driver ID ofthe device are then known, as indicated in function block 3010. Itshould be noted, that in function block 3004 the detection operationmerely detects the model of device and not necessarily the firmwareversions or driver versions. In this way, the OS can load a generallycompatible driver for the detected device model to bring the device in ageneral state of operation prior to installation of the driver designedby the vendor for operation with the device 2902. Flow is then to afunction block 3012 where a data packet is assembled having the OS type,the device ID, firmware ID, user ID source address (to identify thenetwork location from which the information is being sent), and appendedrouting information (related to the network location of the VRS 2500).Notably, other information may be transmitted in the assembled datapacket, or as will be discussed in greater detail hereinbelow, lessinformation can be provided to achieve the desired results. Flow is thento a function block 3014 where the assembled data packet is transmittedto the VRS 2500 across the GCN 306.

Flow is then to a function block 3016 where a lookup operation isperformed to match information regarding the installed device 2902 withinformation in the database 2502 related to the network address of itsrespective vendor web server VWS 2504. Flow is then to a decision block3018 to determine if a match has occurred, and if not, flow is out the“N” path to a function block 3020 where a message is returned to theuser indicating that user needs to take alternative steps to completethe update operation or perhaps to terminate the update operation. Flowis then to a Stop point. On the other hand, if a match has occurred,flow is out the “Y” path of decision path 3018 to a function block 3022where a second data packet is assembled and transmitted to the networkaddress retrieved from the lookup operation of the VRS database 2502 viathe user PC 302. Flow is then to a function block 3024 where the datapacket is received at the VWS 2504 and disassembled to obtain the MRCinformation containing the model of the device 2902 along with itsassociated firmware and drivers information currently in use by thedevice 2902 and the user PC 302.

The VWS database 2506 is then accessed using the model number containedin the scanned MRC 2900 to obtain the associated latest softwarefirmware and drivers of the device 2902. In the case of the driver file,the OS of the PC 302 typically may need to be determined. For example,in some cases, a driver written for the Windows 98® operating system isdifferent and incompatible with the Windows NT® or Windows 2000®operating systems. Therefore, the OS ID may also be used in a lookupoperation to further define the specific driver needed for download. Inother cases, a single device driver is written to be compatible with allof the Microsoft Windows® operating systems, and therefore, use of theOS ID is not required. Flow is then to a decision block 3026 todetermine if the existing drivers transmitted from the user PC 302 arethe latest drivers. If so, flow is out “Y” path to a function block 3028where a message is returned to the user indicating essentially that noupdates are required, or that no updates exist for the particular device2902 that the user has installed. Flow is then to a function block 3030,where in an alternative embodiment, the VRS database 2502 is designed tomaintain a user profile having update information, a database updateoperation is performed either with the VRS database 2502 (and/or the VWSdatabase 2506 or an auxiliary server) to track the latest updateactivity of the user.

On the other hand, if the existing software drivers and firmwareassociated with the device 2902 are not the latest, flow is out the “N”path of decision block 3026 to a function block 3032 where the latestsoftware drivers and firmware are downloaded and installed on the userPC 302 and associated device 2902. Flow is then to a decision block 3034to determine compatibility of the latest software information with theuser system. If the latest downloads are compatible, flow is out the “Y”path to the function block 3030 to perform the database update procedure(in the alternative embodiment of maintaining a user profile). On theother hand, if the recently installed software is not compatible withthe user PC 302 and/or the device 202, flow is out the “N” path to afunction block 3036 where the user is offered the option of selectinginstallation of the previous version of software, or perhaps forpurposes of troubleshooting, an even earlier version of device driversand/or firmware code. Flow is then to a function block 3038 where theearlier or previous versions of software are re-installed on the userPC. Flow is then to the function block 3030 where a database updateprocess is optionally performed to track the user activity regardingupdates for particular devices and systems associated with the user PC302. Flow is then to a Stop block where the process ends.

Referring now to FIG. 31, there is illustrated a more detailed blockdiagram of a computer and associated peripherals operating according toa disclosed embodiment where the MRC contains transaction informationrelated to a particular type of configuration. The PC 302 is aconventional computer configurable to operate with a number ofperipherals and software programs. The PC 302 contains a CPU 3100 forprocessing of primary functions associated with general operation of thePC 302. The CPU interfaces to a high speed system bus 3102 which handlesdata, address and control signals between the CPU and a host bridge3104. The host bridge 3104 provides a number of interfacing functions.The host bridge 3104 interfaces to a memory 3106 (e.g., SDRAM, DRAM,etc.), and provides connectivity to an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)bus 3108 for interaction with AGP devices, and generally provides aninterface between a PCI bus 3110 and the system bus 3102. An example ofan AGP device is an AGP card 3112 which performs a video processingfunction. In this particular embodiment, the AGP card 3112 provides theprimary display functions for the display 1612.

The AGP card 3112 has, as mentioned in some detail hereinabove withrespect to adaptor 2902 of FIG. 29, several onboard circuits whichaccommodate the disclosed architecture. For example, the AGP card 3112comprises a non-volatile memory circuit 3114 which stores the BIOSsoftware for the AGP card 3112, a CPU 3116 for processing of onboardvideo functions, and perhaps an ID chip 3118 which contains a hard-codedID which uniquely identifies that particular AGP card 3112. (Anothercomponent of the video adaptor 3112 which is not shown typicallyincludes high speed memory such as video RAM for facilitating theframing and presentation of video information on the display 1612 to theuser.) The AGP card 3112 also has attached thereto an MRC 3120 (similarto MRCs 1606 and 2902) which the user can scan with the wand 1600 priorto installation of the AGP card 3112 into the PC 302. It can beappreciated that in an alternative scenario, during assembly of the PC302 by, for example, a computer vendor or a computer-knowledgeable user,the computer chassis may be partially disassembled to expose the adaptor3112 and its MRC 3120 while installed in the PC 302 such that the MRC3120 may be scanned at this time by the wand 1600 while the adapter ispowered, and initial configuration or troubleshooting of the PC system302 can be made by a vendor technician or the computer-knowledgeableuser.

The PCI bus 3110 has a number of compatible devices which can beconnected thereto. For example, a PCI card 3122 (e.g., a networkinterface card) has onboard circuits similar to the AGP card 3112. Forexample, the network PCI card 3122 has onboard non-volatile memory 3124which contains its respective BIOS code, an onboard CPU 3126 forhandling processing operations of that particular PCI card 3122, and anID circuit 3128 which contains a hard-coded ID which uniquely identifiesthat PCI card 3122. The PCI card 3122 connects to the PCI bus 3110 tohandle all internal interface communications from the PC 302 to the GCN306. Note that one or more of the onboard circuits of any of thementioned cards 3122 and 3112 can have combined features such that theID circuitry 3128 may be actually part of the CPU circuitry 3126 orsimilarly, the unique system ID may be encoded in the BIOS circuit 3124.The PCI card 3122 also has attached to it an MRC 3130 which the user canscan prior to installation of the PCI card 3122 into the PC 302 (or asmentioned hereinabove, while the PCI card 3122 is installed and thecomputer chassis open for access to scan the PCI card 3122). When theuser scans the MRC 3130 with the wand 1600 prior to insertion of the PCIcard 3122, the MRC information is stored in software on the local datastorage unit 1614 for later use.

The PC 302 also comprises a PCI-to-ISA bridge (“PCI bridge”) 3132 forinterface communications between devices on the PCI bus 3110 and ISA bus3134. The PCI bridge 3132 also provides interface to the local datastorage drive 1614 and also any USB devices or peripherals whichinterface to the PC 302. For example, an external CD-ROM drive 3136, inthis particular embodiment, connects to a USB port 3138 to facilitatethe reading and recording of optical media. It can be appreciated thatother USB-compatible devices may connect to this USB port 3138 toaccommodate various functions desired by the user of PC 302. The CD-ROM3136 has an MRC 3140 attached thereto, which according to features ofthe device MRCs mentioned hereinabove, contains, for example, a uniquecode associated with the model number and manufacturer of the CD-ROMDrive. The CD-ROM 3136 also has internal circuits similar to those ofthe adapter cards 3112 and 3122, such as a CPU 3142 for handling allonboard processing of the CD-ROM 3136, a non-volatile memory 3144 whichcontains BIOS code for operation of the CD-ROM 3136, and an ID circuit3146 which contains an ID which is hard-coded into the circuit and isunique to the particular CD-ROM 3136. It can be appreciated that otherUSB devices such as keyboards, mice, hard disk drives, etc., can beconnected to the one or more USB ports, each of which is identified by aunique ID and has an onboard processor and non-volatile memory whichcontains a software code executed by the onboard CPU during itsoperation.

The ISA bus 3134 facilitates the connection of ISA devices, inparticular, an ISA card 3148, and communication for the ISA devices toother bus devices (e.g., AGP adapters, PCI adapters, memory 3106, CPU3100, etc.) of the PC 302. Typically, the ISA card 3148 is a legacydevice which contains similar features of the other cards and devices(AGP card 3112, PCI card 3122, and CD-ROM 3136), such as a CPU 3150 forhandling all onboard processing, a non-volatile memory 3152 for storingonboard code which is executed by the CPU upon power up of the ISA card3148, and an ID circuit which contains a hard-coded ID that is unique tothis particular ISA card 3148. The ISA card 3148 also has attachedthereto an MRC 3156 which can be scanned in the same manner as the othercards and devices mentioned hereinabove.

An interface controller 3158 interfaces to the ISA bus 3134 toaccommodate connection of serial and parallel port devices. For example,a printer 3160 provides printing functions for the PC 302 and containson its exterior, in most cases, an MRC 3162 which provides a unique codethat identifies the particular model number of the printer 3160 or themodel number itself. Internally, the printer 3160 also contains a CPU3164 for handling all onboard processes, a non-volatile memory 3166which stores software code which is executed by the CPU 3164 duringoperation of the printer 3160, and queued print jobs, and an ID circuit3168 that contains a hard-coded ID which is unique to that particularprinter 3160. It can be appreciated, that the printer may also bemanufactured as a USB device and therefore can connect to the USB port3138 for operation with the PC 302. The interface controller 3158 alsoprovides an input for a serial device such as a mouse 3170 which mayalso comprise similar features (not shown) to the printer 3160 and otherdevices mentioned hereinabove. For example, the mouse may contain an IDcircuit which provides a device ID unique to that particular mouse 3170,and a controller or processor which handles basic functions of the mouse3170 during its operation. Similarly, the mouse may also be manufacturedas a USB device which then connects to the USB port 3138 for operation.Attached to the bottom of the mouse (but not shown), can be an MRC whichprovides a unique code associated with the model number of theparticular mouse, and therefore can be scanned with the wand 1600 tofacilitate retrieval of update information associated with theparticular mouse 3170. It can be appreciated that the mouse may alsoincorporate the MRC scanning function such that the mouse is passed overany of the mentioned MRCs for input of the MRC information to the PC302. The mouse may also be an IRDA device such that no hardwireconnection exists from the mouse 3170 to the PC 302 since the interfaceis by infrared transmission.

The interface controller 3158 also provides a keyboard input 3172 forinterfacing to the keyboard 1610. In this particular embodiment, thewedge interface 1608 provides the intermediate connection for both thewand 1600 and the keyboard 1610 having output to the keyboard input port3172 of the interface controller 3158. Note that the keyboard 1610 mayalso be an IRDA device such that no hardwire connection exists to the PC302. In this case, communication is via infrared signaling thought anIRDA port (not shown).

In operation, the document 1602 provides readable text 1604 which theuser of the PC 302 reads to interpret the purpose of the MRC 1606. Forexample, if the text 1604 were to indicate to the user that by scanningthe MRC 1606 the transaction would involve obtaining the latest updateinformation for the CD-ROM 3136 BIOS firmware, the user simply scans theMRC 1606 with the wand 1600 whose input into the PC 302 facilitatesconnection across the PCI bus 3110 through the PCI network card 3122 tothe GCN 306 and intermediary node VRS server 2500. Also contained inthat message packet, transmitted in response to the user scanning theMRC 1606, is unique information associated with the CD-ROM 3136 andpossibly the unique ID contained in the ID circuit 3146, appendedrouting information which is the network address of the VRS 2500, a userID and a source address of the user PC 302 which uniquely identifies thelocation of the PC 302 on the PCN network 306. Other data packetinformation may also be included as necessary to facilitate operation ofthe disclosed architecture, and will be discussed in greater detailhereinbelow.

Upon receipt of the message packet at the VRS 2500, a lookup operationis performed to determine the network address of the VWS 2504, in whichthe appropriate firmware and/or drivers are returned back to the PC 302for installation in the CD-ROM 3136. Similarly, if the document 1602were to contain text 1604 which describes the purpose of the MRC 1606 tofacilitate updating the drivers and BIOS information of the AGP card3112, the user may simply scan the MRC 1606 to trigger retrieval of theappropriate information from the remote vendor web server 2504 forpurposes of installation and update on the PC 302 and AGP card 3112.Although not shown, the display 1612 and the keyboard 1610 may alsocomprise the necessary circuits (CPU, BIOS, and ID circuits) andassociated MRCs to facilitate retrieval and updating of respective BIOSand drivers.

As mentioned hereinabove in one alternative embodiment, the automaticconfiguration update process may be triggered by simply inserting thedevices into the PC 302 and providing power, which subsequentlyinitiates identification and interrogation of the devices to determineif the existing drivers need to be updated by downloading and installingof the latest firmware and driver software from the VWS 2504. The PC 302also contains a non-volatile memory 3174 that contains the system BIOS.The CPU 3100 executes the system BIOS contained in the non-volatilememory 3174 during power up of the PC 302, and such system BIOS can alsobe updated using the disclosed architecture and software describedhereinabove for automatically detecting and updating the variouscomponents and cards associated with the PC 302. This process can befacilitated in a number of ways, for example, when the user obtains amotherboard (also called a system board) which includes the non-volatilememory 3174, the manufacturer of the motherboard can include an MRClabel 3176 which could then be removed and placed on the outside of thecomputer chassis such that the user may periodically scan the MRC 3176to facilitate or initiate the retrieval and installation of the latestsoftware relevant to the motherboard BIOS stored in the non-volatilememory 3174. The motherboard MRC 3176 then contains a unique codeassociated with a model number of the particular motherboard and versionnumber of the associated system BIOS. This information is thentransmitted to in the same manner indicated hereinabove to retrieve thelatest firmware updates or drivers required for the operating system to“recognize” the various features of the motherboard (e.g., ATA66 drivecompatibility, high density floppy drives, etc.).

It can also be appreciated that scanning of a single MRC 1606 (on adocument or the component) can initiate a general update call whichinitiates update of all related configuration information of thecomponent. For example, as single scan of one MRC 1606 initiatesautomatic configuration of the component by downloading any of acombination of the firmware, device drivers, and control or interfacesoftware.

Referring now to FIGS. 32A and 32B, there is illustrated a number ofvariations of the VRS database structure, in accordance with theautomatic configuration embodiments. In the most basic implementation,FIG. 32A illustrates the VRS database 2502 containing a transaction codefield 3200, the user ID 1806, and VWS address field 3202. By scanningthe MRC 1606, the message packet is assembled having the transactioncode 3200, user ID 1806, and appended routing information (networkaddress of the VRS 2500). When received at the VRS 2500, the messagepacket is disassembled such that the transaction code 3200 is extractedand used in a lookup operation to obtain the VWS network address 3202. Asecond packet is then assembled having the transaction code 3200, userID, and appended VWS address 3202, which VWS network address 3202 is thefull URL path to the file associated with the particular transactioncode 3200, and then transmitted to the VWS 2504. Using the user ID, theconfiguration information is then downloaded to the user PC andinstalled. The VWS address 3200 may be in the form of an IP address(xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx) or a domain name (e.g., vendor.config.com) havingassociated therewith the full path information locate the configurationinformation.

In FIG. 32B, a more complex database structure is illustrated where theVRS database contains the user profile information. The VRS database2502 contains the parameters of FIG. 32A, in addition to user profileinformation which contains various detailed information about the userPC 302 and its components. In this embodiment, fields in the VRSdatabase 2502 comprise the MRC transaction code 3200, the wand ID 1804,the user ID 1806, firmware ID 3204 (related to its version), driver ID3206 (related to its driver version), OS type 3208 (e.g., Windows 98®,Windows NT®, Windows 2000®, Apple® OS, etc.), device ID 3210 (which isthe unique hard-coded number associated with the particular device),Date-Of-Last-Access field 3212 (which logs the date and time of the lastconfiguration update), and a network address area 3214. Notably, thenetwork address area 3214 contains any number of network address fieldsrelated to the various nodes used in the disclosed architecture. Forexample, the network address area 3214 contains the VWS address 3202field, perhaps the node address of the user PC 302 in a User field 3216,and one or more auxiliary server address fields VWS₂ 3218.

When using the more complex database structure of FIG. 32B, only theunique transaction code 3200 of the MRC 1606 of device or componentneeds to be transmitted, since all of the additional user and deviceprofile information currently exists in the VRS database 2502. The userand device profile information, having been uploaded to the VRS database2502 prior to implementation of the new device or software, contains allof the user PC 302 information required to properly identify and locatethe respective firmware, device drive, software, or operating mode fileson the VWS database 2506. For example, if the user scans the MRC 3130 ofthe PCI adapter card 3122 of FIG. 31, which MRC 3130 contains the uniquetransaction code 3200 for a device driver update, the transaction code3200 is transmitted to the VRS database 2502 where a lookup operationretrieves the necessary user PC 302 information to ultimately downloadthe correct driver. If the user PC 302 were running the Windows 98® OS,this information would be coded in the OS type field 3208 correspondingto the respective transaction code 3200.

The packet sent from the VRS 2500 to the VWS 2504 via the user PC 302would then contain the transaction code 3200, the OS type information3208, and the address of the VWS 2504. When received at the VWS 2504, alookup operation needs to be performed to obtain the correct driver forthe user OS, which driver is then downloaded and installed on the userPC 302. As mentioned hereinabove, in some cases the manufacturer haswritten the software driver to be compatible with all Windows®-basedoperating systems, in which case the VWS address 3202 will be the URLpath to the file location of the driver requested. It can be appreciatedthat where it is not initially known that the desired device driver iswritten to be compatible with the existing Microsoft Windows® operatingsystems, the initial lookup operation will need to be performed, andwhen a determination is made as to whether the driver is compatible withthe three operating systems, the user profile can then be updated withthe direct URL path to the file location on the VWS database 2506. Thisfacilitates a follow-up device driver update process of the same adapter3122 by then foregoing the lookup operation at the VWS 2504.

On the other hand, if the MRC data 1802 as scanned indicates that thedevice firmware information should be returned regarding a particulardevice model, then the lookup operation may return a different networkaddress, or could return the same address such that the VWS 2504contains all of the necessary driver, firmware, and product informationin which the user may be interested. As indicated, the VWS addressinformation 3202 may be entered into the VRS database 2502 in the formof domain name format 3206 and/or IP address 3208 format. The sourceaddress of the user PC 302 on the network 306 identifies the sourcelocation of the user PC 302 such that any information retrieved from theVWS 2504 can be returned back to that unique location on the GCN 306.

Referring again to FIG. 32B, the more complex database containing theuser profile information is also applicable to the automaticconfiguration scenario initiated by simple insertion or connection ofthe device or component to the user PC 302. For example, the simpleinsertion of the AGP adapter card 3112 of FIG. 31 triggers automaticconfiguration of the card 3112. The device ID stored in the ID circuit3118 is automatically read and assembled into a message packet havingthe routing information of the VRS 2500 appended thereto. When matchedwith the respective device ID in the device ID field 3202, thecorresponding network address of VWS 2504 is retrieved such that theappropriate files can be retrieved, downloaded, and installed. In oneimplementation of this embodiment, both the device drivers and firmwareare ultimately downloaded to the user PC 302 and adapter card 3112,respectively. In another implementation, the user interacts with theautomatic configuration process via a user interface by selecting eitherthe firmware update, or the driver update. The user selection is thenencoded into the message packet from the VRS 2500 along with the deviceID, and perhaps the OS type, when needed, and the appended VWS 2504network address. When received at the VWS 2504, the appropriate lookupoperation is performed to match the selected user selection with theappropriate configuration information (either firmware or driver). Wherethe computer peripheral is external, for example, the CD-ROM 3136 ofFIG. 31, the same process occurs.

A number of other functions can be triggered from the availability ofthe additional information contained in this enhanced database, forexample, knowing that a user purchased and installed a particular modelof graphics adapter can trigger the presentation of selected advertisinginformation to the user relevant to the model of graphics adapter. Forexample, if the graphics adapter had a model number whichcross-referenced to a high end and very expensive adapter used inmodeling and simulation and imaging, the user may then be presented withadvertising related to high end graphics software packages and/orhardware. Simply knowing a wide variety of hardware information of auser PC 302 can invoke advertising targeted to the user of the PC 302during operation or even during the process of network surfing.Similarly, if the graphics adapter happened to be one that is closelyassociated with online gaming, the user may be presented with selectiveadvertising related to a number of network-based games, and releases ofthe latest related hardware.

Referring now to FIG. 33, there is illustrated an alternate embodimentof FIG. 25 where the user scans an MRC 1606 to invoke automaticconfiguration of one or more computers and associated components into anoperating mode. Automatic configuration in this illustrated embodimentrefers to using the existing hardware and software of the one or morecomputers without downloading and installing different software inresponse to scanning of one or more MRCs 1606. In a first scenario, asingle computer is automatically configured to an operating mode. Wherethe single computer PC 302 is reconfigured for presentation ofadvertising or product information, the user scans the MRC 1606 with thewand 1600 to invoke realtime automatic configuration of one or morecomponents of the PC 302, such that, in response to scanning of the MRC1606 by the user, the VWS 2504 automatically configures the PC 302 to apredetermined configuration, which configuration process may involvechanging the settings in both hardware and software. (It can beappreciated that the automatic configuration process can be programmedto be accomplished at a time substantially later than when the MRC 1606was scanned, and in response to scanning of the MRC 1606—in essence ascheduled configuration process.)

The user reads the text 1604 and determines, for example, that byscanning the MRC 1606, the desired configuration can be obtained. Thetransaction code of the MRC 1606 is transmitted, in accordance withprevious embodiments, to the VRS 2500 to obtain the associated addressof the VWS 2504. When the transaction code is received at the VWS 2504,it then transmits the corresponding system changes back to the PC 302to, for example, have its multimedia system automatically reconfiguredto output high quality sound, change the settings of its videocontroller to a higher resolution and larger color palette, all inpreparation to play and present a brief digital video disk (DVD)audio/video advertising segment (or enhanced product informationdemonstration) from the VWS 2504 which was linked to the MRC data. As afollowup step to completing the DVD segment, the user PC 302 isautomatically reconfigured back to its original settings by the VWS2504.

In a second example, scanning of the MRC 1606 initiates automaticreconfiguration of the entire computer for a particular online gamingpurpose. To provide optimum gaming experience, various aspects of the PC302 need to be reconfigured for optimum play. A particular game mayrequire that for optimum play experience, the video card be set for1024×768 resolution having a 32-bit color palette, a refresh rate of 85Hz, joystick settings reconfigured for the selected game, sound cardsettings for high resolution audio, VoIP (Voice-over-IP) capability foronline voice communications with other players, and where a joystick isnot used, an alternate keyboard configuration for user control of gamefeatures. In lieu of the user having to manually set each of theseparameters, the MRC 1606 could be scanned such that the MRC 1606contains coded data for triggering the automatic reconfiguration of theuser PC 302 via the VWS 2504. To facilitate such a reconfiguration,several aspects of the user PC could be known, and stored in a userinformation file for later retrieval during automatic reconfiguration.This user information could be stored locally as a file on the user PC302 which is accessed by the VWS 2504 to achieve the desired results, orthe file could be stored remotely at the VWS 2504, the VRS 2500, or onan auxiliary server. It can also be appreciated that the scanningprocess initiates execution of a program local to the user PC 302, whichlocal program reads the user information file and performs the automaticreconfiguration locally, and does not include the VRS 2500 and VWS 2504in the reconfiguration operation.

In a third scenario, the disclosed architecture provides as atroubleshooting aid to the user the option of automatically configuringthe hardware devices or software modules of the PC 302 into a knownstate. For example, if the user was having video problems, an MRC 1606which contains one or more codes for automatically reconfiguring thevideo portion of the computer 302 may be scanned with the wand 1600. TheMRC information is then passed through the wedge interface 1608 whererouting information is appended thereto, and then into a communicationpackage running on the PC 302 for routing to the intermediate VRS 2500location. A lookup operation is performed using the MRC information toobtain a match with a network location of the VWS 2504. The MRCinformation is then assembled into a message packet for transmission tothe VWS 2505 where it is decoded and matched to a selected programhaving configuration information for the particular device which isoperating incorrectly on the user PC 302. The selected program thenautomatically configures the device into a specific mode without userintervention.

Alternatively, the user scans the MRC 1606 and ultimately receives fromthe VWS 2504 a web page for presentation to the user on the user PC 302,such that the user may now select from various modes in which to operatethe faulty device. This feature is beneficial for troubleshooting thefaulty device. In a more complex scenario which aligns with the enhanceddatabase structure of FIG. 33, the VWS 2504 returns a user interface(e.g., web page) to the user which provides a variety of options forexercising all or most of the installed components of the user PC 302.Since the enhanced database structure provides additional hardware andsoftware information about the particular user PC 302, the VWS 2504 cannow provide a more complex user interface to allow the user to stepthrough a troubleshooting program or to initiate a program whichautomatically exercises the necessary components in order to ascertainthe cause of the problem, and to arrive at a solution.

Not being restricted for use with a single computer 302, the disclosedarchitecture has application where the scanning process could alsoinitiate automatic reconfiguration of a plurality of networked computersinto one or more different modes of operation. Referring again to FIG.33, there is illustrated a system where the user of user PC 302 canautomatically configure a plurality of networked computers (PC₁, PC₂,and PC₃) into one or more configurations (Configuration A andConfiguration B). A program running on the user PC 302 provides a userinterface 3500 which allows the user to complete a table of selectedconfigurations for the networked computers (PC₁, PC₂, and PC₃). Havingthe document 1602 which provides the text portion 1604, and the MRC 1606transaction information enables the implementation of a Configuration A,and a second document 1603 having text portion 1605, and an MRC 1607 forimplanting a Configuration B, the user can now group the selectedcomputers via the user interface 3500 to automatically be reconfiguredinto the desired mode. In this case, the user has designated computersPC₁ and PC₃ for Configuration B, and PC₂ for Configuration A.

In operation, the user makes the designations (for computers PC₁ andPC₃) for Configuration B in the user interface 3300 of user PC 302, andscans the respective document MRC 1607. The MRC information istransmitted through the wedge interface 1608 where routing informationis appended. The software program running on the user PC 302 interfaceswith a communication program to route the MRC data and other data (suchas the network addresses of those computers which are to bereconfigured, or a pointer to the file having the network addressinformation) to the VRS 2500 where a lookup operation is performed toobtain the network address of the VWS 2504. A second message packet isassembled at the VRS 2500 and transmitted to the VWS 2504 via the userPC 302. The VWS 2504 then retrieves the necessary files and informationto reconfigure the designated computers (PC₁ and PC₃) to ConfigurationB. Similarly, the user scans the Configuration A MRC 1606 to causeinformation to be routed from the PC 302 through the VRS 2500 to the VWS2504 via the user PC 302 where files and information are retrieved toplace computer PC₂ into Configuration A. Alternatively, the user couldscan both of the MRC 1606 and 1607 prior to any transmission from the PC302. Therefore, the assembled message packet at the PC 302 containsinformation of both Configurations (A and B) which is then transmittedthrough the VRS 2500 to the VWS 2504. The VWS 2504 then performs thenecessary lookup operations to retrieve the files and information neededto automatically configure all of the networked computers (PC₁, PC₂, andPC₃) in one operation.

Although the various computers may contain components which aredifferent, this information can be known such that one or more fileshaving respective computer component and peripheral listings can bestored for access in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Forexample, computer PC₁ may have a Brand A video card, and computer PC₂may have a Brand B video card. This device information can be known andstored in files that are accessible such that special program callsand/or drivers can be made available to control the respective devicesof the various computers being configured. In this way, each videocontroller can be automatically reconfigured to output substantiallysimilar video to the respective users by scanning of a single MRC 1606.The encoded MRC information is routed through the VRS 2500 and triggersexecution of a program at the VWS 2504 which could then sample the VRSdatabase 2502 (or other network server) for the respective user devicefiles for reconfiguration of the respective computers. Note that theplurality of computers may be disposed on the GCN 306 at various remotelocations, or may be disposed on a common LAN such that the VWS 2504automatically reconfigures all or a portion of the computers on the LANfor a particular environment. In order to select which or perhaps all ofthe computers are to be reconfigured, the VWS 2504 will display a webpage to the user such that the user can then select which users in thedatabase are to be reconfigured for the particular settings, or aprogram local to the PC 302 communicates with the VWS 2504 to facilitateautomatic reconfiguration of the designated computers (PC₁, PC₂, andPC₃).

Note that the disclosed architecture is not restricted to personalcomputers 302, but is applicable to most network appliances. Forexample, where a technician is installing a high capacity multi-modulerouter or network hub, the scanning of an MRC associated with aparticular module can automatically enable retrieval of the latestdevice drivers and firmware for the respective module. The scanningprocess can also retrieve to the technician a web page which provides anumber of setup options for either step-by-step troubleshooting of themodule, or automatically configuring the module for the intendedpurpose, such as placing the router in a known state for testing code orparticular subnets associated with the router.

The automatic configuration process can also be applied toimplementations based upon the purchase of a level of service. Forexample, it the user of the user PC 302 has prepaid for a first level ofservice in a service offering of five different levels of service(whether the user owns the PC 302, or rents/leases the PC 302), scanningof the MRC 1606 results in a cross-reference of the particular user IDin a database to retrieve the necessary software code and/orconfiguration data to configure the user PC 302 to the respective levelof prepaid service. The database may be the VWS database 2506, orperhaps the enhanced VRS database 2502, disclosed in accordance withFIG. 32B. This implementation is beneficial where the user may want toinstall “demo” software on the user PC 302, but lacks sufficienttechnical knowledge to perform the installation. Scanning of the MRC1606 related to the demo software initiates automatic download andconfiguration of the user PC 302 for a prescribed period of time, whichis common with many of the existing demo software distributions. As aprelude to full functionality of the software from demo status to fulloperational status, the user can then pay the purchase price, which inturn triggers automatic configuration of the installed software for fullfunctionality.

As a measure of security to prevent inadvertent download andinstallation of the wrong configuration information, a number ofcross-checks can be made to ensure that the user has requested thecorrect information for the user PC 302. With the widespreadproliferation of PC's 302, it is conceivable that many individuals willnot have sufficient knowledge of their hardware and software components.Therefore, in order to provide a more foolproof architecture accordingto the disclosed embodiments, it is preferable to obtain sufficientinformation about a user PC 302 to reduce the likelihood that problemswill occur. The implementation of the enhanced database of FIG. 33,whether it be hosted on the VRS 2500, the VWS 2504, or an auxiliaryserver, exemplifies the type of user information required to ensure thatthe correct and compatible information is downloaded to the user PC 302.For example, where the wand 1600 and/or interface 1608 have been movedto a different location in association with a new user PC 302, adatabase update process needs to be performed to properly associate thehardware and software components of the new user PC 302 to ensure thatthe correct configuration parameters are implemented during theautomatic configuration process. This can be accomplished by associatingthe wand 1600 and/or interface 1608 with a software file on the user PC302 such that replacement of the existing wand 1600 with a differentwand 1600 having a different wand ID results in the user being promptedfor information which will update the database. Another method is tolink the machine configuration file with the node address of the user PC302 and the unique ID of the network interface card, an ID which isunique in the world.

In more restrictive implementations, the automatic configuration processcan be implemented to require user interaction before configuration isallowed. For example, where access to such a user PC 302 is strictlycontrolled, the update process can be initiated by scanning the MRC1606, but the update or configuration information is returned to theuser PC 302 via an e-mail account, wherein the address of the usere-mail account is stored in the VRS database 2502 in association withthe respective user ID. The user is then in more control of when or howthe information is installed.

The disclosed architecture is also applicable to an MRC which ismagnetic, such as MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) data incommon use with personal checks and drafts, magnetic storage strips suchas that used in credit cards, and many forms of bar codes (e.g., UPC,EAN, etc.), and electronic transmission and signaling technologies suchas infrared communication from an infrared transmitting device. Morespecifically, the MRC need not necessarily be a tangible medium, but maybe a detectable transmission signal from a device or object on which theautomatic configuration is to be performed. As discussed in detailhereinabove, the triggering MRC can be an audio signal that is receivedby the user PC 302, decoded to obtain the relevant model and firmware ordriver information, and transmitted to the VRS 2500 and VWS 2505 toobtain the same results.

Automatic Configuration of Non-Personal Computer Equipment

Referring now to FIG. 34, there is illustrated an alternate embodimentwherein a piece of equipment is automatically configured in accordancewith a scanned transaction code. In this second category, thearchitecture is applied to non-computer-related equipment, for example,test equipment, network equipment, and scientific instruments. Operationof the system of FIG. 34 is substantially similar to the operation ofFIG. 25, with the distinction that a piece of equipment 3400 isconnected to the GCN 306. The equipment 3400 has access to, andtherefore is accessible by, one or more nodes on the GCN 306. This isfacilitated by an interface 3402 which is an external communicationinterface used in conjunction with the equipment 3400 or is an integralpart of the equipment 3400 to provide an accessible node on the GCN 306.

In a first embodiment, the user scans the MRC 1606 which is placed on adocument 1602 having readable text 1604, with the wand 1600. The MRC1606 contains a transaction code which uniquely identifies a particulartype of configuration the user wants installed on the equipment 3400.For example, if the MRC 1606 contains a transaction code which indicatesthat a firmware update is desired for the particular piece of equipment3400, scanning of the MRC 1606 results in a firmware update operationbeing performed on the equipment 3400. A second bar code 1611 mayuniquely identify a type of configuration relating to a level of servicethat the user has contracted with the vendor of the equipment 3400 toprovide. Similarly, the MRC 1611 may uniquely identify a transactionrelated to downloading and installing driver information for theequipment 3400, or for implementation of a particular operating mode.Therefore, the document may contain a single MRC 1606 or a plurality ofMRCs 1606 (and 1611) which indicate a variety of features orconfigurations that the user may want installed on the equipment 3400.

In a second embodiment similar in fashion to an embodiment mentionedhereinabove, the product (equipment 3400, in this embodiment) may alsocomprise or have attached thereto one or more of the MRCs 1606. Forexample, the equipment 3400 may have attached thereto an MRC 3406(similar to MRC 1606) containing transaction code information which isscanable by the wand 1600 to initiate the update process associated withMRC 1606. Additionally, the equipment 3400 may have attached thereto asecond MRC 3408 which contains a transaction code which uniquelyidentifies automatic configuration related to downloading the latestdriver software, or a particular level of service which the user hascontracted with the vendor to provide. In any case, there is providedone or more MRCs 3406 having respective transaction codes to uniquelyidentify the particular configuration which the user desires performedon the equipment 3400.

It can be appreciated that the equipment 3400 may be located in the samelocation and proximate to the user PC 302 such that a connection 3410(e.g., a peripheral communication link) exists between the PC 302 andthe equipment 3400 for monitor and control, or perhaps ultimately toprovide the configuration information through the PC 302 to theequipment 3400. (Notably, the peripheral communication port may be, forexample, a USB link, IEEE 1394 link, IEEE 488 link, RS-232, etc.)Similarly, although located proximate to the user PC 302, the equipment3400 may be automatically configured by downloading the configurationinformation directly into the equipment 3400 from across the GCN 306,instead of through the user PC 302.

Alternatively, the equipment 3400 may be located remotely from thelocation of the user PC 302 such that automatic configuration occurs inresponse to the user scanning the MRC 1606, but remotely from the PC 302across the GCN 306 to the equipment 3400. Therefore, in a firstscenario, the user scans the MRC 1606 with the wand 1600 whichtransaction information is passed into the interface 1608 where routinginformation regarding the VRS 2500 is appended to the transactioninformation. When received by the user PC 302, the transaction/routinginformation is assembled into a data packet with other information andtransmitted across the GCN 306 to the VRS 2500 where a lookup operationis performed using the transaction code to obtain the network address ofthe VWS 2504. In response to the particular transaction code of MRC1606, the respective transaction information is retrieved from the VWSdatabase 2506 after a lookup operation is performed, and returned acrossthe GCN 306 to the PC 302. The PC 302 may then pass the configurationinformation across either of two paths, back across the GCN 306 to theequipment 3400 or through the connection 3410 to the equipment 3400 forconfiguration according to the retrieved configuration information.

In a second scenario, the user scans the MRC 1606 having the embeddedtransaction code with the wand 1600, which information is passed intothe interface 1608 to append routing information thereto. When receivedinto the PC 302, the transaction code/routing information is assembledinto a data packet and transmitted through the interface 304 across theGCN 306 to the VRS 2500 where a lookup operation is performed on a VRSdatabase 2502 according to the transaction code to obtain the networkaddress of the VWS 2504. The VWS 2504 retrieves the configurationinformation according to the particular transaction code received, anddownloads the configuration information directly to the equipment 3400across the GCN 306. The equipment 3400 is then automatically configuredaccording to the information received from the VWS 2504.

In a third scenario, the equipment 3400 is uniquely associated with thepurchaser of the equipment 3400 when received from the vendor. If thevendor has already subscribed to the VRS system architecture, theprofile information of the user already exists in association with theparticular piece of equipment 3400 such that the profile information isdownloaded to the VRS 2500 for later use in the automatic configurationprocess. In this embodiment, the enhanced database structure of FIG. 32Bis used. The user then receives the newly purchased piece of equipment3400 and connects it to the GCN 306, which connection automaticallyinitiates the update process to retrieve from the VWS 2504 the vendorwho sold the equipment 3400 to the user, the updated informationpertinent to operation of the equipment 3400. In this particularscenario, the user is not required to scan an MRC 3406 or 1606 toinitiate an update process, but may be prompted by, for example, frontpanel indicators or a user interface to initiate such update process.

Referring now to FIG. 35, there is illustrated a flowchart of theequipment configuration process. Flow starts at a Start block and movesto a function block 3500 where the user scans the MRC 1606 associatedwith the piece of equipment 3400. Flow is then to a function block 3502where a data packet is assembled with the appended routing informationwhich is the network address of the VRS 2500, along with the transactioncode of the MRC 1606. Flow is then to a function block 3504 where thisdata packet is transmitted to the VRS 2500. A lookup operation is thenperformed at the VRS 2500 using the VRS database 2502 to obtain thenetwork address of the VWS 2504 associated with the transaction code, asindicated in a function block 3506. Flow is then to a decision block3508 where a matching operation is performed using the transaction codeand/or one or more other bits of data information contained in the datapacket. If a match does not occur, flow is out the “N” path to afunction block 3510 where a message is returned to the user indicatingthat a match has not occurred. Flow is then to a stopping point 3512.

On the other hand, if the match has occurred, flow is out the “Y” pathto a function block 3514 where the network address of the VWS 2504 isobtained. Flow is then to a function block 3516 where a second datapacket is assembled comprising the transaction code, network address ofthe equipment location, and the network address of the VWS 2504,contained therein. The assembled data packet is then transmitted to theVWS 2504 via the user PC 302, as indicated in the function block 3518.Flow is then to a function block 3520 where the configurationinformation is obtained during a lookup operation from the VWS database2506. Flow is then to a function block 3522 where the configurationinformation is then transmitted from the VWS 2504 to the equipment node,meaning that the equipment 3400 may be located at the same location asthe user PC 302 or at a node on the network which is remote from theuser PC 302. Flow is then to a function block 3524 where the equipment3400 is configured according to the retrieved configuration information.Flow is then to a Stop block.

Referring now to FIG. 36, there is illustrated a sample basic databasestructure for the equipment configuration embodiment. The VRS database2502 contains a transaction code 3600, a device address 3602, and a VWSaddress 3604. When the user scans the MRC 3406 containing the encodedtransaction code 3600, a lookup operation is performed on the VRSdatabase 2502 to retrieve the VWS network address 3604. A message packetis then assembled with the device address 3602 and VWS address 3604 toultimately execute the configuration file for the particular transactioncode 3600. The configuration file can then be transmitted to the pieceof equipment 3400 in accordance with the device address 3602, or in morerobust implementations, be executed by the VWS 2504 to provide controlby the VWS 2504 over the configuration process of the piece of equipment3400. In any case, a user interface may be provided to allow the user tointeract with the configuration process, or the process can be performedautomatically without user interaction after the scanning process. Asmentioned hereinabove, the VRS database 2502 is populated with thetransaction code 3600, device address 3602, and VWS address 3604information at the time the user obtains the piece of equipment 3400. Asthe piece of equipment changes network locations, the VRS database 2502will need to be updated to facilitate the automatic configurationprocess. In an alternative implementation, where the VWS address 3604 inthe VRS database 2502 does not point directly to the desiredconfiguration file location, more information must be transmitted to theVWS 2504 to undergo one or more lookup operations in order to locate thedesired configuration file.

Referring now to FIG. 37, there is illustrated a sample enhanceddatabase structure of the VRS database according to automaticconfiguration of a piece of test equipment 3400. The VRS database 2502has stored therein a user profile which contains a table of linkedfields. For example, each transaction code 3700 is uniquely linked to aselect one of the configuration modes 3702. (Note that the configurationcode fields are not necessary in the VRS database 2502 for operation ofthe system, in that the particular transaction code 3700 is linked witha VWS address field 3708, which VWS address field defines theconfiguration mode of the transaction. Furthermore, each transactioncode 3700 linked to a specific device ID 3704 (of a piece of equipment3400) which is associated with a user (via a user ID 3706). Therefore,only that user is allowed to enable a configuration mode. It can beappreciated that a number of different users can be linked with a singledevice ID 3704 such that more than one user can invoke automaticconfiguration of the piece of equipment 3400 associated with the singledevice ID 3704.

The transaction code 3700 can also be a generic code such that twodifferent pieces of equipment 3400 can have the identical MRC 3406 (withthe same underlying transaction code) attached thereto or associatedtherewith, but that when the message packet is assembled and transmittedto the VRS 2500 from the user PC 302, the device ID may also betransmitted to facilitate matching of the transaction code with theappropriate piece of equipment 3400. For example, a user may have twopieces of equipment (designated Device1 and Device2) each having thesame generic MRC 3406 (indicating a firmware update) attached thereto.However, to discern the same transaction codes in the VRS database 2502,another data packet of information needs to be sent, namely theassociated device IDs (Device1 or Device2). A lookup operation utilizingboth the transaction code and the device ID 3704 then connects to theproper file location on the VWS 2504 to retrieve and install the properconfiguration file.

Note that although the previous discussions have disclosed a networkcommunication environment where the message packets are routed from theuser PC 302 to the VRS 2500, and then from the VRS 2500 to the VWS 2504,the routing of information can also occur in accordance with thearchitecture of FIG. 3. Therefore, message routing initiates from theuser PC 302 to the VRS 2500, and then from the VRS 2500 back to the userPC 302, and then on to the VWS 2504 to retrieve the appropriateconfiguration file.

In summary, there is provided a computer or computer peripherals, and/ornon-computer-related equipment each having one or moremachine-resolvable codes associated therewith. A user reads one of themachine-resolvable codes with a reader. In response, a transaction codecontained therein, and associated with a type of configurationinformation, is assembled into a message packet having routinginformation appended thereto. The appended routing information is thenetwork address of an intermediate vendor reference server 2500 having adatabase 2502 which cross-references the transaction information with anetwork address of the associated configuration information. The networkaddress of the configuration information is obtained, and connection ismade to that location to retrieve the configuration information to thecomputer or computer peripheral, and/or non-computer-related equipmentfor installation.

Although the preferred embodiment has been described in detail, itshould be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterationscan be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A method of configuring a piece of equipment, comprising the stepsof: providing the piece of equipment in communication with a network,the piece of equipment having one or more machine-resolvable codesassociated therewith; connecting the piece of equipment to a remotelocation disposed on the network in response to a select one of the oneor more machine-resolvable codes being read with a reader; transmittingconfiguration information associated with the select one of the one ormore machine-resolvable codes from the remote location to the piece ofequipment; and configuring the piece of equipment according to theconfiguration information.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one ormore machine-resolvable codes in the step of providing containtransaction information which indicates the type of configurationinformation with which to configure the piece of equipment.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the transaction information indicates asoftware update.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the software updateis equipment driver software.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein thetransaction information is associated with operating mode informationwhich places the piece of equipment in a select one of one or moreoperating modes.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the select one of oneor more operating modes is determined by a subscribed level of supportfrom a vendor of the piece of equipment.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the one or more machine-resolvable codes in the step ofproviding are on the piece of equipment.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the one or more machine-resolvable codes in the step ofproviding are separate from the piece of equipment.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the step of connecting first connects to anintermediate location on the network to obtain a network address of theremote location on the network, after which the intermediate locationconnects to the remote location to facilitate retrieval of theconfiguration information to the piece of equipment.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein a lookup operation is preformed at the intermediatelocation based upon a transaction code contained in the select one ofthe one or more machine-resolvable codes to obtain the network addressof the remote location.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofconfiguring is performed automatically without user intervention. 12.The method of claim 1, wherein a user interacts with a user interfaceduring the step of configuring to control the step of configuring of thepiece of equipment.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the userinterface comprises user interaction with front-panel hardware of thepiece of equipment.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the reader in thestep of connecting connects to a computer disposed on the network, andthe piece of equipment connects to the computer via a peripheralcommunication port of the computer such that in response to the selectone of the one or more machine-resolvable codes being read, theconfiguration information is sent through the computer in step oftransmitting to the piece of equipment via the peripheral communicationport.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the reader in the step ofconnecting connects to a computer disposed on the network at a sourcelocation, such that in response to the select one of the one or moremachine-resolvable codes being read, the configuration information istransmitted to the piece of equipment, which piece of equipment is alsolocated at the source location proximately to the computer.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the network is global communication network.17. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more machine-resolvablecodes in the step of providing are in the form of a bar code.
 18. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one or more machine-resolvable codes inthe step of providing are in the form of a magnetic strip.
 19. Anarchitecture for configuring a piece of equipment, comprising: a networkhaving the piece of equipment interfaced thereto, the piece of equipmenthaving one or more machine-resolvable codes associated therewith; aremote location disposed on said network which connects to the piece ofequipment in response to a select one of said one or moremachine-resolvable codes being read with a reader; and configurationinformation associated with said select one of said one or moremachine-resolvable codes which is transmitted from said remote locationto the piece of equipment; wherein the piece of equipment is configuredaccording to said configuration information.
 20. The architecture ofclaim 19, wherein said one or more machine-resolvable codes containtransaction information which indicates a type of said configurationinformation with which to configure the piece of equipment.